School rugby to reach out

By KYMLIE KARANI
A KEY component of the PNG Rugby Football Union’s 2013 strategic plan, the Pacific in Union programme, aims to grow the sport in Lae, Goroka and Kokopo.
PiU in-country manager Paul Joseph said the programme would be a bonus for Lae as they only had the schoolboys competition.
“Teaching the girls out there through the PiU programme is a catch for women’s rugby and PNGRFU as a whole,” he said.
Joseph said the PiU project was introduced to Port Moresby schools this year and was an “eye-opener” for PNG rugby.
He said it had ignited much interest among the selected schools and teams.
The eight schools that piloted the PiU project were: POMIS, POM Grammar, St Joseph’s International, Caritas Secondary, Salvation Army, Korobosea International, Don Bosco Technical and Bavaroko Primary.
They quickly responded by having a short season of rugby  games in four age divisions – under 14 boys, under 17 both boys and girls and under 19 boys.
Joseph said despite the short season, the schools supported the competition and the participation by their players and supporters was overwhelming.
“So much talent was identified in these kids, especially the girls in the under 17 girls division,” Joseph said.
St Joseph’s International School’s head of sports John Agovai said a bigger and longer season was being planned for next year.
“The age divisions will include mix teams in U8, and U10 who will play tag rugby; U12 will play grab rugby while U14 and U17 will have boys and girls teams taking part.
“Girls will kick off with 7s competition. There won’t be U19 as this division will be absorbed to senior competitions at club level.”
Agovai said the city schools would be divided into four zones – Port Moresby East, Port Moresby West, Port Moresby North and Port Moresby South. Each zones will have their competitions and the final top two teams will go into finals.
He said there would be a junior competition involving eight years old to 12 years old and senior competition for 14 years old to 17 year-olds.
“The junior competition’s emphasis will focus on skills development through modified and mini games. This can be achieved through educational lesson activities and carnivals.
“The senior competition will have 7s for U17 girls only and 15s for U17 boys.”