rugby sevens

This year, 2024, the cup landed in the hands of Black Orchid from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, who claimed their second Cup title after defeating the Gerehu Natives 22 - 07 at the Sir John Guise Stadium on 31 March.

The much-anticipated Seventh Edition of Niu Power Sports Tok Rugby Sevens Tournament will be a must watch event this weekend.

The event is already shaping to be a great rugby fest with 32 men's teams, 12 women and junior teams competing for K85000 cash prize money in total. The event commences tomorrow at Bava.

The Bava Park and National Football Stadium today opened gates for the union 7s tournament attracting teams from Morobe, Madang, East New Britain, West New Britain provinces and Port Moresby.

Four categories make up the pool matches, Open Mens, U20 Mens, U20 Womens and Deaf team. In the Open Men’s, there are 32 teams, U20- 32 teams, U20 Womens-16 teams and the deaf team have registered 5 teams. 

According to tournament director, Sailosi Druma the 7s challenge has attracted a good number of teams from within Port Moresby rugby union teams and outside centres.

A veteran of 22 seasons, Tietjens is regarded as New Zealand’s and the sport’s most successful coach.

He has coached well over 100 international Sevens Tournaments since taking over the New Zealand sides in 1994.

Under Tietjens, the All Blacks Sevens team has become the most successful in the world, winning four Commonwealth games gold medals, 11 HSBC World Series Sevens titles including the 2012/2013 series, and two IRB Sevens World Championship titles in 2001 and in 2013.

He believes the team can make a top eight finish this weekend and is confident they can put a lot of pressure on their opponents.

Guise said the team had a “flat start” in Hong Kong due to a bout of malaria among the players prior to their game but they have recovered well and are looking forward to the matches this weekend.

He was happy with the practice run they had this afternoon and happily reported that none of the players are carrying any injuries.

“The boys are quite excited to be here with the rest of Team PNG so that’s good to see,” Guise said.

Kelly also doused speculation the 49ers were planning to cut Hayne, which led to the Australian making a face-saving exit.

The 49ers instead were bullish on Hayne, praising his ability to pick up Kelly's new offence and excited about using his powerful, 188cm body and skills.

"He's a really sharp learner," Kelly told reporters on Tuesday at the 49ers' Santa Clara facility.

"We were excited. He's a big body and has a skill set."

There are 28 male teams and 7 female teams taking part in the two day tournament.

Teams from almost all over the country are taking part including the West Papuans, for the first time.

However, the National Champions Lae Hammer Heads couldn’t make it to the tournament to defend their title.

Some of the tournaments best teams are the 2015 Madang Cup champions Kimbe Rebels and runner-up for the Madang Cup the Black Orchids of Bougainville.

All teams from the 8 pools played 3 matches each to qualify with 3 or 2 wins for the second elimination round today.