K20,000 up for grabs at Kimbe Invitational sevens, 18 confirm

 UP to 10 visiting teams are expected to vie for the K20,000 cash prize and Cup in the forthcoming Kimbe Invitational Sevens rugby union tournament.

The tournament again sponsored by Pacific MMI Insurance Limited will see 18 teams converge on the West New Britain Province capital on February 21-22.

West New Britain Rugby Football Union president Freddy Matthies said the visiting teams will add that extra flavor in what is expected to be a hotly contested event by the top teams in the country.

From the visitors he expects a strong challenge from the Black Orchids and Madang Mad Gauns, while Aroma Coast and the SLS Cowboys from Gerehu Stage Two are the two dark-horses of the tournament.

“The other teams coming in include two from East New Britain, Harlequins from Lae, a Mendi team from the Southern Highlands while Kavieng is yet to confirm,” he added.

Matthies said from the local teams taking part, the new inclusion is the team from the Talasea Coast led by Peter Prior. He confirmed that the PMMI sponsored Kimbe Rebels Team One outfit will include Port Moresby Harlequins front-man Tisa Kautu and Andrew Lunga.

“Otherwise the Rebels have returned all their experienced hands and look again to be the pre-post favourites,” he added.

Matthies, who will be leading the Rebels Team Two side, said he has a bunch of unknowns but are equally talented as their team two outfit.   

Matthies confirmed there will be prize-money for the Plate, Bowl and Trophy play-offs as well.