Cassowaries eye improved championships campaign

THE national women’s rugby 15s team have set their sights on an improved campaign in November’s Oceania Championship, according to coach John Pangkatana.
He said a growing player base had provided more options for the side who will undertake strength and conditioning training in the coming months.
“All 23 women and two shadow players will undergo testing to qualify for the high-performance programme that will be put together by the PNG Rugby strength and conditioning manager Cecil Davani, in consultation with assistant coach William Rikis and I,” he said.
“We’re aiming to have stronger and fitter women to face the bigger Fijians, Samoans and Tongans, not to mention the New Zealand and Australian A teams as well.
“We’re focused on the annual Oceania Women’s 15s Championships in Nadi, Fiji.
“Given the Covid-19 pandemic, if things return to normal, the 25 women and others we have on our 40-player target list, will again vie for a position in the team.
“Those in the 25 have a head start but with PNG Rugby Union plans in place to stage the first women’s national championships in the 15s this year, none of the players’ spots in the team are guaranteed.
“More women are encouraged to take part in club competitions.”
Squad: Vagikune Wari, Jane Buku, Marina Kavana (Darwin, Australia), Melissa Thomas, Naomi Alapi, Iga Oki, Pamela Waringe, Shelanne Kopi, Clare Akauma (Vancouver, Canada), Agnes Kopi, Wawa Chaguaguma, Isi Govea, Lorraine Pomat, Rusila Oki, Nina Stein (Kokopo), Augusta Livuna, Zafira Pangkatana, Vanessa Semoso, Jill Yallon, Melissa Maino, Rose Eva, Leanne Kwarula, Joan Lagona, Lydia Luke (Lae), Margaret Naua.