Kaupa stars in Cebu Cup tourney

 TWENTY-year-old Chimbu man Simon Kaupa, pictured, was named the player of the rugby tournament during the first PNG Independence Cebu Cup held in Cebu City, the Philippines.

The tournament arranged for PNG students in Cebu, was held in celebration of the 40th Independence anniversary. 

The students represented their respective universities. The three teams were composed of the PNG students enrolled in the University of San Carlos (USC Warriors), University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF Hausman Piggies), and the Indiana Aerospace University (IAU Jets). 

The USC Warriors won the championship against the USPF Hausman Piggies. The IAU Jetts landed on the third place.

This is the first rugby tournament initiated by the students and was sponsored by Paradise International Education Consultancy (PIEC).

Kaupa, from the USC Warriors, was named player of the tournament. Though having played several tournaments back in PNG, Simon admits this is his first time to win an award.

“Winning such an award away from home is truly an honour for me. It’s like history for me,” said the five eighth of the USC Warriors.

Simon spent his first eight years in grade school at Hohola Demonstration Primary School in Port Moresby. 

He then continued grades nine to 12 at Kerowagi Secondary School in Chimbu. 

Simon started playing rugby league when he was in primary school. When he reached high school, he played for a police team called the Kerowagi Royals in the Ipatas Cup.