Clubs told to follow protocols

THE Port Moresby Rugby Football League has warned its clubs to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols and avoid overcrowding during training.
League chairman Dr James Naipao said in a statement that not more than 10 players were allowed to train together until approval from the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation and the Office of the National Pandemic Response Controller.
The league faced a similar challenge early last year.
Last season was delayed till November.
However, the biggest league in the country said the delays in 2020 were due to the fact that Covid-19 was new and people had limited knowledge of it.
With the experience and knowledge from last year, it makes it easier in terms of preparedness and control measures this time around for the 2021 season.
The South Pacific Brewery-sponsored league’s 2020 preparations were guided by its own standard operating procedures (SOPs) which were drawn up by Dr Naipao.
The SOPs covered all scenarios – including home, shopping, training, travelling, venue entry and exit, isolation tents and referrals.
Half of the 2020 season had no spectators.
But despite that, the competition ran smoothly.
For the 2021 season, the league intends to start its pre-season event – the Mineral Resources Development Company Nines – at the end of the month.
The nines tournament will run for six days.
The season will start in June.
The league said it had written to the brewery and was expecting to receive the 2021 portion of the three-year sponsorship funding.
Dr Naipao thanked the league’s sponsors and stakeholders for their support this year.