Raminai calls for more 7s

By MARTHA DERUAGE
Vice-Minister for Sports Wesley Raminai, pictured, says the Government is prepared to back rugby union with the aim of improving Papua New Guinea’s performance in coming international tournaments.
Raminai was speaking during the recent PNGRFU welcoming reception for ICTS Palais (women) and Pukpuks (men) who competed at the 7s World Cup in San Francisco, USA.
“I represent the Government here showing that we want to be behind rugby union,” Raminai said.
“With our Prime Minister, the Government think that rugby union is one of the sports that has been doing well in.
“We want to support rugby so that we can do well in the coming Oceania championships, Olympic Games and Pacific Games.
“I know we have great times coming ahead.” The PNG sevens team received support from the Government through the National Gaming Control Board sponsorship to back up the teams at the World Cup tournament.
Raminai being a rugby union fan himself, said he was impressed with the teams’ effort after watching some of the games.
“I am a big fan of rugby union myself and I have been following the teams watching them taking part in the World Cup,” Ramina said.
Raminai said he frequently visits Fiji said he noticed that Fijians were better in rugby sevens simply because they have more tournaments annually.
“Having more sevens tournament in the country could help in helping the team become more competitive.
“Spending time in Fiji, I notice that there is no trick, they just have more rugby sevens tournament every two, three and four weeks intervals throughout the year.
“So in order to become better in the sport, I believe more tournament should be held in PNG too.”