PNG preparing to take part at Oceania Deaf 7s

THE Papua New Guinea Deaf Rugby Association, under the National Capital District Rugby Union (NCDRU), will compete at the Oceania Deaf Sevens in Lautoka, Fiji, in November.
PNG Deaf Rugby head coach Aguna Frank said the skill level and participation from the deaf community had grown with two teams finishing their maiden season with NCDRU.
“Despite their hearing impairments, they are fast learners,” Frank said.
“Last year, when they were first introduced to rugby, they were eager to play in the Rookie Sevens.
“People were excited when they saw the deaf team and later more people with hearing impairments joined which saw them register and play in the NCDRU 15s competition.”
He said a squad had been selected from the two deaf teams (Hiri East and Hiri West) and were undergoing training.
“Training has been going well,” Frank said.
“We’re not going into anything particular.
“We’re just undergoing normal training to learn basic skills.
“They’ve learnt the sport well.
“They know the basic rules of the game.
“I see no difficulty in teaching them rugby.”