Marus backs WNB rugby 7s tourney

WEST New Britain rugby union will be running the 7s circuit across six locations in the province.
The tournament will be held at Galilo (Hoskins), Vovosi (Hoskins), Hoskins station, Kilu (Talasea), Bialla and Kimbe.
Talasea MP Francis Marus has thrown his support behind the 7s circuit with a K33,000 sponsorship, K5,500 for a tournament.
The circuit will be referred to as the Marus WNB rugby 7s circuit.
The circuit is a good concept for rural rugby in the province because nearly half of players in the Pacific MMI Kimbe Rebels provincial side were selected from villages in the Hoskins area.
They include Hubert Vitolo, Jack Mesili, Tasi Mape, Timothy Pola, Alois Baleko and Hendry Wartovo.
The circuit is in its second leg with the next tournament to be held in the village of Vovosi (Hoskins) this weekend. 
The tournament will run for two days. It has attracted 18 teams.
“We are expecting a big crowd and invite all families to come and support their team in the spirit of rugby,” WNB rugby union president Frederick Matthies said.
“I would like to thank Marus for his continuous support to sports in the province.
“He has contributed continuously to the local and club rugby teams in the province over the years.
“It is a vital role to give youths a sense of belonging and to be part of something big and the Pacific MMI Kimbe Rebels have achieved that status,” he said.