Agarobe 9s set for kick off in February with 52 teams

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE Agarobe Rugby League Nines Challenge is set to kick off on Feb 2 with 52 teams across three divisions taking part in the four-day tournament at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.
Tournament coordinator Indy Verena told The National yesterday that the event was revised following its postponement last year due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Verena said the proposed format next month would have 24 men’s teams, 16 schools teams and 12 women’s teams.
“It’s a revised format given the current situation we have with Covid-19 so we’re marking up to 24 teams which should be two teams each from the 12 zones in the province,” he said.
“Most of the zones have responded positively and we already have a good number who’ve come forward with their registration.
“The interest in the tournament is high so we will be looking at how many teams register by Jan 21 and from there we will decide how to plan out the tournament.
“We’d like to expand the number of teams taking part but we will remain mindful of the Covid-19 measures along with the logistics of hosting before we make a final decision.
“One major boost for the tournament is assistance we’ve received from Goodman Fielder who have put their hands up to assist with prizes,” Verena said.
Verena said the organising committee was currently looking into options in expanding with growing number of teams from the 12 zones currently expressing interest.
The tournament was initially scheduled for November however continued restrictions on sports gatherings forced its postponement to this year.