Lae rugby ready for big year

 By LARRY ANDREW 

MOROBE Rugby Football Union is set for another bumper year starting with a sevens competition on Saturday at the SCRUM Oval in Lae. 

Morobe Rugby Football Union (MRFU) president Livingstone Nenjipa announced on Monday that the competition will run for five weeks with the selection of two Hammerheads sides at the end of the challenge.

“As announced last month (December) the competition is a lead up preparations for Morobe province towards the Trans Highway sevens challenge and the national provincial championship to be staged in Port Moresby later in the year which is also the benchmark for selection of the PNG Pukpuks 7s team for tour duties in 2014,” Nenjipa said. 

 He said 12 teams have shown interest in the sevens competition but strict guidelines have been set to ensure the competition ran without any major issues. 

Nenjipa said no new teams have been included in the draws but a tougher showdown is expected in season 2014.

Teams confirmed for the sevens competition are reigning premiers Hornibrook Harlequins, Bismark Pirates, Unitech Reds, Consort Shipping Royals, Chemcare Defence, Hope Warriors and Dulux Viking Dogs.

They are hopeful teams from Tararan village will join the fold.

Nenjipa said those participating are expected to field two teams each in the A and B grade divisions for the season proper.  He said the games start at 9am and punctuality and promptness has been stressed to ensure a  smooth flow of the competition.