Organiser postpone rugby sevens tourney over Covid-19

THE Sports Tok Sevens rugby union tournament has been deferred from April 3-4 to June 12-13 due to the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the nation’s capital.
Twenty-four teams have already been confirmed to compete in the fourth edition of the tournament at Bava Park.
Thirteen teams are from outside centres — Lae (4), Daru (4), Kimbe (2), Madang (2) and Rabaul (1) — and 11 sides are based in Port Moresby.
The teams are Unitech Reds, Chauka Crocs, Laloki Wild Cats, MBB Marlins, Amaroa, Karzens, Juggernauts, Fly Otoros, Sea Robbers, 6B Pirates, Harlequins (Lae), Rabaul Stallions,15 City Pirates, Vikings, GG Daru, Madang Malabacks, Gerehu Natives, Patuki Warriors, Kingsman, Uni Piggies, PC Ravens, Mantas, CC Jesters and Kramer Auscenco Brothers.
Organiser Elsie Passingan had announced earlier that there would be a live pool draw at Bava Park.
Passingan had encouraged the teams that had missed out to prepare for next year and register on time.
While this year’s tournament is said to be special, given that it may provide an opportunity for players to push for national selection for the upcoming Oceania Sevens, Covid-19 has not made it easier.
According to Sports Tok, the Covid-19 situation has forced the tournament’s deferral to another date with the hope that things will clear and the teams will be prepared.
“We sincerely apologise to all teams, sponsors and supporters of the Sports Tok Sevens for any inconvenience this notice may cause,” the organisers said.
The organisers said that they felt that it was important for the health everyone, so the committee decided to postpone the tournament.