Palais leave for Monaco to compete in qualifier

THE Papua New Guinea (PNG) Palais will be departing for Monaco today to compete in the World Rugby Sevens repechage — the qualifying event for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The 12-woman team will be playing in Pool B of the repechage against Kazakhstan, Jamaica and Tunisia with the aim of earning one of the two spots for the Olympics among 12 other national women’s rugby union team. Club Pukpuk executive committee member Fiona Speedy said despite the lack of local competition due to Covid-19 restrictions as well as other challenges faced by the team, they had prepared well and would give their best to represent PNG in Monaco. The women’s competition will see the 12 (national) teams drawn into three pools of four teams.  The teams have been banded based on placements in their regional competitions alongside performances in World Rugby tournaments where each team from each band will be drawn into each pool. The Palais are placed in band one with France and Russia while countries from the other bands include Argentina, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Jamaica, Mexico, Madagascar, Samoa and Tunisia. The top-two teams in each pool and the two third-placed teams with the highest point total will qualify for the knockout stages of the competition. Given that there are only two Olympic qualification spots available for women, the repechage will feature two rounds of knockout games with the final round featuring four teams competing in two matches where both winners gain Olympic qualification. Speedy said the girls had not played any games leading up to the repechage as the competition here was not allowed by Covid-19 restrictions. “Obviously, this is not ideal and where they were match ready and fit in 2020 and would’ve had a very good chance at winning one of the two spots up for grabs to get to Tokyo for the Olympics last year, they have now lost that year,” she said. “Despite the challenges with lockdown, facility closures due to Covid-19, and lack of sponsorship, the team have been training hard and focused on performing at their best at the repechage Tournament in Monaco on June 19 and 20. “Coach Paul Tietjens is based in New Zealand, and is remotely coaching the squad with the on-ground support of John Tekwie providing strength and conditioning services and Frank Gabi Jr. “Both John and Frank have been seconded from the men’s sevens management team. A special word of thanks must go to Jason Yip and the Nesa Foam team who kindly donated mattresses to the team, ensuring our women at least get a good night’s rest after a hard day’s training. “Club Pukpuk’s executive committee wishes the Palais all the very best in their endeavours, we know you will do your country proud.” Palais: Kymlie Rapilla (captain), Helen Abau, Alice Alois, Chelsea Garesa, Fatima Rama, Taiva Lavai, Gwen Pokana, Cathy Puro, Lynette Aua, Geua Larry, Patricia Korpok, Tengapai Esther Gigimat.