Quirk thanks PNG rugby

By HUXLEY LOVAI
THE wife of the New Zealand rugby great Jonah Lomu, Nadene Quirk has offered her thanks to the organisers of the Jonah Lomu Legacy Cup rugby 7s competition which concluded on Sunday at Bava Park.
The tournament, held in honour of her late husband, was made possible through a partnership between the New Zealand High Commission and the Capital Rugby Union of Port Moresby.
“I want to thank those who have put endless time and effort, into making this tournament what it has been,” Quirk said.
“It is a honour for me to be standing here on this ground among some many wonderful people and the teams that have come out to honour my husband.”
Quirk was at hand to present the medals and trophies to all the division winners on Sunday.
“To all the officials, volunteers, supporters, teams and sponsors, I’m truly thankful. To the people of Port Moresby, thank you for the wonderful welcome you have given to my father (Mervyn Quirk) and I during our time here. We will be back,” Quirk said.
New Zealand High Commissioner Tony Fautua thanked the public for their support for the duration of the tournament.
“Thank you to the venue management and the volunteers for creating a wonderful atmosphere and to all the families for turning up and supporting this event,” Fautua said.
“We are grateful to Nadene and her father Mervyn, for allowing us to use Jonah Lomu’s name in order to honour his legacy. That legacy includes further development of junior rugby in the country, alongside promoting the code.”
Lae Hammerheads won the cup in the men’s competition, while in the women’s division, Spartans claimed the top honours.
A total of 16 men’s and eight women’s teams took part in the inaugural event, with organisers hoping to grow the competition over the coming years. This includes hosting the JLLC tournaments in other centres around the country.