Bigger prize pool

By MICHAEL PHILIP
THE annual Niu Power Ltd Sports Tok Rugby 7s is set to come back livelier, bigger and better this year with a total walk-away cash prize pool of K85,000.
Since its introduction in 2018, Sports Tok Rugby 7s for the first time will have 32 men’s teams from the usual 24, with 13 teams confirmed from outside of Port Moresby for the March 29-31 tournament.
Tournament manager Benson Upas told The National that the increase in cash prize money for this year was due to the high number of registrations from interested clubs around the country who would be competing in the three-day tournament.
“The interest is growing every year,” Upas said.
“Prize money for this year is K85,000. For the first time we’ll have K20,000 cash prize for the men’s winner and K15,000 for the open women’s.
“We have 13 teams from the other provinces, two open men’s team from Lae and Madang, two open men’s and one open women’s team from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, four open men’s team and one open women’s team from Kimbe and one open men’s team from East New Britain.
“The game itself is slowly getting the attention of many young boys and girls and that gives us the challenge to continue push forward the tournament every year,” he said of this year’s tournament.
Upas said this year’s tournament would be competitive with the attendance of previous champions PC Ravens (2019-2020 champions), Brothers, Mantas, Black Orchids and current champions Bialla Suaras confirmed to take part at the sevens meet.
He said the tournament helped Papua New Guinea Rugby Union scout players to join both the men’s and women’s national teams which was a positive outcome of the tournament.
This year’s competition is set for March 29-31 at Bava Park for the first two days while the finals are to be played at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.
Men’s: Pool A: Bialla Suaras, Rabaul Stallions, GC Uni Piggies, Korobosea Pirates. Pool B: Gerehu Natives, Hangan Pirates, Rhinos, Hiri West. Pool C: New Town Chiefs, Jokers, Barbarians, Chauka Crocs. Pool D: PC Ravens, Under Dogs, Royal Reapers, Wanderers. Pool E: J Mart Young Gunz, ENZU Chiefs, Sisilpak, Crusaders. Pool F: Kimbe Pirates, 6B Pirates, Defence, Juggernauts. Pool G: KA Brothers, Irok Lae Pirates, Tokilu Latatus, Kone Elenese. Pool H: Black Orchids, Kalibobo Gunners, Flying Fox17, Graceville Stars.
Women’s: Pool A: Durga Sisters, Kone Sharks, Crusaders, Hiri West. Pool B: Black Orchids, Razorbacks, GC Uni Piggies, Tatiannas. Pool C: J MART Young Gunz, KA Sisters, Dove, Juggernauts.
Junior’s: Pool A: Newtown Chiefs, Korobosea Pirates, Wanderers, GC Uni Piggies 2. Pool B: GC Uni Piggies 1, Angau United, Hiri West, Defence. Pool C: J Mart Young Gunz, KA Brothers, Crusaders, Graceville Stars.