Chimbu comp suggests camp spot

THE Mt Wilhelm Rugby Football League has suggested that the national men’s and women’s teams should camp at the foot of the mountain to acclimatise before the World Cup in England in October.
League official John Kumul told The National yesterday that the league had written to the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) about the idea.
He said England’s October temperature – which is as low as seven degrees Celsius – was similar to that of Mt Wilhelm, given the high altitude.
“We think that this is a good idea and it can be an advantage to our national teams, the Kumuls and Orchids,” Kumul said.
“Mt Wilhelm is very cold and our teams can camp up there for few weeks and acclimatise, get their lungs get used to the cold weather and prepare for the World Cup.
“The place is also a tourist destination, there is accommodation and a field to train on.
“Hopefully, PNGRFL will consider the idea and inspect the area.”
Kumuls coach Michael Marum told The National that it was a good idea.
“But I think we might consider that in the future,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s possible right now.
“These days, the Kumuls are professional players.
“They (Mt Wilhelm league) can have a field for us to train, but our preparations require more than just a training pitch.