Discussions in place for PNG to host Super Rugby match

By PARKER TAMBUA
TALKS are underway for Port Moresby to host a Super Rugby match between Fijian Drua and Queensland Reds when the 2023 season kicks off in February, according to an official.
Papua New Guinea Rugby Union president Paul Siwi told The National yesterday that his board was in discussions with the Drua to bring a home game to PNG.
“We are communicating with the Fijian Drua to host one of their home games against the Queensland Reds in Port Moresby,” he said.
“Definitely, it will happen.
“We are yet to confirm which venue to use.
“But we will definitely be using one of the venues in Port Moresby.
“PNG has never hosted a Super Rugby game, so this will be a historic event.”
Siwi said hosting a Super Rugby game would have a positive impact on the code in PNG.
“It will be an event which will inspire our rugby players and future generations,” he said.
“Super Rugby is not played in Europe or countries far from PNG.
“This competition is played right at our door step (in Australia), here in our region and it’s about time PNG Rugby Union has to get involved.
“Let’s build relationships with Super Rugby clubs, let’s find a way to market our players and we have to make use of the opportunities.
“We have players who have the size and can make it into those professional competitions.
“We are building systems that will expose our local talents,” Siwi said yesterday.
The Drua and Moana Pasifika are new teams that were added to the Super Rugby Pacific competition this year.
The Drua played their home games in Australia and Fiji.