Pukpuks to play

INTERNATIONAL rugby union makes a return to the country after the Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions (FORU) yesterday announced the 2011 Oceania Cup tournament schedule, to be hosted in Port Moresby from Nov 29.
The Solomon Islands and Niue will open proceedings, followed by hosts PNG taking on Vanuatu.
The tournament is a first-past-the-post, round-robin format, with the winner determined by the total number of points gained after three rounds.
Oceania Cup host union president Richard Sapias, said the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football Union (PNGRFU) and fans were looking forward to hosting such a significant regional tournament.
“The Oceania cup is a very important regional tournament, and provides a vital pathway for the players and coaches of the region’s development and target unions.
“PNG are the defending champions, and while the Pukpuks will have strong competition from Solomon Islands, Niue and Vanuatu, local fans are looking forward to watching their national team defend the cup.”
Tournament director Michael Groom said the Oceania Cup provided more than just an international competition for players and coaches.
“The Oceania Cup not only facilitates a vital competition pathway for the participating unions’ players and coaches, it also provides host unions with vital exposure and experience in managing and delivering international tournaments,” Groom said.
“We look forward to the PNGRFU delivering a successful 2011 Oceania Cup.”