POMRFL postpones nines tournament

THE Port Moresby Rugby Football League (POMRFL) postponed its nines tournament over the weekend with the league citing poor preparation from clubs in the lead-up to kick-off.
League chairman Dr James Naipao said the postponement came after clubs had failed to meet deadlines and decide upon a draw for the tournament.
“The nines planned for this weekend was supposed to run for two weekends, but it has been postponed to June 26,” he said.
“Some clubs are behind in their preparation and as such, a non-disruptive draw was difficult to come up with.
“Nines with forfeitures and points deduction will not reflect a good picture on the league and the clubs.
“Resources invested by the league will be meaningless, worthless and wasteful when forfeitures and points deduction takes place.
“POMRFL will not waste resources as a result of this.
“This tournament is also a good time for clubs to prepare for their teams for the season.
“After the two weekends of nines, POMRFL will go straight into its season.
“POMRFL is a first-tier league. As such, each club must field three teams that comprise the men’s, women’s and Under-20 sides.
“So clubs should register their women’s nines teams.”
Naipao said there would be no further postponements moving forward.
The season proper kicks off on the second weekend of next month.
The 2020 Covid-19 competition format will apply for this season.
The format outlines that there will be no crowd allowed until further notice with standard operating procedures to apply for teams and officials this year.