President Anga says city rugby had successful year

By HUXLEY LOVAI
CAPITAL Rugby Union president Jacob Anga, pictured, and his board members are pleased to have competed a challenging season for the competition in the nation’s capital.
The main challenge this season was the availability of venues due to the redevelopment of Bava Park for the Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
As a result the season had to be shortened with the remaining games played at Taurama Barracks. “Overall we managed to have a good season.” Anga said.
“We also conducted training for our referees and coaches. The season concluded with the finals at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.”
During the lead-up to the National Provincial Championships held in Port Moresby, Anga said he was pleased to see the presidents of the CRU clubs come together to assemble the Boromas and Gaigais – the Boromas were crowed the national champions.
“It was encouraging for the board, to see everyone cooperating and coming together under the CRU and as a result we were able to attract sponsorship for both our teams.”
CRU struggled financially to secure a major sponsor for the competition this year, despite that the board was able to source support for specific events such as sending CRU teams to rugby sevens competitions in Madang and Bougainville.
“The last twelve months have been eventful for the board but we’ve done our best to deliver.”
The year rounded off the successful hosting of the inaugural Jonah Lomu Legacy Cup at Bava Park.
“This tournament will enhance rugby in the country, with an emphasis on junior development.
“We also had the honour of having the wife of the late Jonah Lomu, Nadene here for the tournament. She and her father Mervyn left our shores feeling overwhelmed with the way we welcomed and accommodated them.
“I want to thank the New Zealand High Commission and the High Commissioner to PNG His Excellency Tony Fautua.
“The sponsors of the JLLC and stakeholders such as the PNG Sports Foundation and the Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko. All contributed to making the tournament a reality,”Anga said