PNG preparing well for Carlton 7s in Sri Lanka

THE Papua New Guinea team who are currently in Sri Lanka for the Carlton Sevens tournament are settling in well for the tournament.
The event is held at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo tomorrow and Sunday.
The team are in training under coach Waisale Serevi’s tutelage and have already qualified for the International Rugby Board world sevens circuit after a top three finish at the recently-completed Pacific Sevens last month in Tahiti. Previously, the side competed under the name MRDC Menjals at the Gold Coast Sevens also last month in the Australia.
Several changes were made to the team after they arrived from Tahiti last week with current Kumul winger Richard Kambo the most notable change to the 12-man side.
Kambo, a star for the Kumuls at the recent rugby league Pacific Cup final against Cook Islands, is apparently yet to commit to either codes but there is no denying in his ability and he is expected to figure prominently in Sri Lanka this weekend.
The other changes are Elizah Riyong, Tommy Kivu and Tisa Kautu. They replace Alex Haija, Bobby Pau, Albert Levi and Buckley Joseph.
The MRDC PNG 7s team will take on the New Zealand Legends, Australian Legends, Fiji Digicel, South African Vipers and Samoa Barbarians in the international tournament which should provide top class rugby as most of the teams will be fielding some of their top national players.
The PNG sevens team: Kojo Ware, Karo Kauna, Kautu, Kivu, Monty Diave, Leo Tikot Jr, Riyong, Sova Milfred, Benjamin John, Kambo, Lawrence Kuso and Gare Ponda.
The tournament which is conducted in three segments – international, Asian and schools  is being organised by the Tharunyata Hetak Organisation in collaboration with the Interim Committee of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union.