Metro rugby opens season with sevens

PORT Moresby rugby union’s newly-formed competition, Metropolitan (Metro) Rugby Union, kicked off its inaugural season with a seven-a-side tournament staged at the Sir John Guise Outdoor Stadium on Saturday.
Metro Rugby interim president Lawrence Tamilong was pleased with the turn out of teams and supporters, saying the new competition was aiming to set a standard in promoting the right values in sport and with youths.
“I am really pleased and amazed at the support from parents in getting their children involved in Metro rugby.
“There were lots of children at the stadium on Saturday and I think the day went very well,” a satisfied Tamilong said.
“There were some positive signs on the weekend, especially with the family theme being developed, and we are also aiming to do away with the beer culture in rugby so I am pleased at  how things went.”
With a strict no alcohol and drug policy instituted by the sports body, PNG Sports Foundation, who run the sports facility, Metro rugby is confident this will create an atmosphere where rugby union is the sole motivation for clubs, players, match officials, fans and volunteers to participate on weekends.
Eight sides competed in the senior men’s division – Old School, Aroma, Harlequins, LaSallians, Royals, Spartans, Southern Chiefs and Wanderers.
The women’s division had five teams – Harlequins, Spartans, Southern Chiefs, Chivas and Wanderers.
The tournament was opened with fixtures for Under 19 teams from each of the participating clubs.
Saturday’s matches completed the pool stages of the tournament with the finals to be played next Saturday.
Tamilong also acknowledged tournament sponsors LRD Electrical and Power Pulse for their assistance in backing the Metro sevens.