City season to kick off with sevens tourney

PROVIDING opportunities for talent is the objective of the Sports Tok Invitational Sevens (April 19-21).
Magazine manager Benson Upas said it was as an honour to be in partnership with the PNGRU affiliate Capital Rugby Union to stage the tournament.
“We’re doing this to give opportunities for players,” Upas said.
“Countries like Samoa and Fiji do well and so can we. It all starts from such tournaments.
“This tournament is also another way we can market our product so we not only publish sports features but we also support sports.”
Last year’s inaugural tournament attracted 24 men’s team and eight women’s team and this time around, the organisers were looking at increased figures as many have become aware of this tournament that takes over Bava Park on Easter weekend.
The number of interested teams no doubt is eye opening for tournament director Paul Joseph.
“Currently we have a total of 29 men’s team from all across the country that have shown interest to participate in this year so that’s an increase in numbers and we have nine women’s teams,” Joseph said.
“This year we will also have an U18 division (men/women) and so far we have 12 teams interested.
“All eight clubs from CRU will take part, we have three from NCD Rugby Union and also clubs from the communities.
“We have 12 teams from outside Port Moresby like the Goroka Harlequins as well as sides from Lae, Markham Madang, Wewak, the Rabaul Stallions, one of the top teams from the NGI region and a team all the way from Namatanai, New Ireland.
“In the Southern Region interested team are Daru Fly Eagles, and from Gulf, Moripi and Taure-Lakekamu while Central teams are Aroma Coast and Baike Brothers.
Divisions: Men, Women, U18 men, U18 women; Registration: Men – K1500, Women – K500; U18 free. Fee deadline: Fri, March 29; Prize Pool: Men – K30,000; Women – K10,000.