Sevens potential abounds

RUGBY union sevens is a sport that can send local players to tour the world while marketing them on the international stage, an official says.
NiuPower chief executive Michael Uiari said the gas-fired power generation company has been a keen supporter of the sport because they believe in rugby’s potential to develop and export players.
The annual Sports Tok Rugby 7s tournament is set for kick-off in Port Moresby on Friday where NiuPower is a major sponsor.
The tournament will run throughout the Easter weekend with finals to be held on Monday.
Fifty-six teams will compete in three different divisions; senior men’s, women’s and Under-20 men.
“It’s good to see a number of new teams in the Sports Tok 7s tournament and also there are new teams in the women’s division as well. We (NiuPower) are very much about diversity,” Uiari said.
“We see it (rugby 7s) as the only sport in the country that can take our young players to the world.
“They can go play in Europe, Africa, North and South America, it’s good for our young men and women. If we can send more players to compete at the 7s circuit on the world stage, that would be good.
“Sevens circuit has a good profiling and its great platform, great opportunity for our players to compete at that level.
“Rugby is well supported, well-funded by World Rugby.”
Uiari said the long-term goal was to see Sorts Tok 7s being played at professional level and right around the country.
Tournament manager Joe Kautu said yesterday that the games would be held at Bava Park and Sir John Guise Stadium.
He said the draws will be released today.
“We have the former champions in PC Ravens and Black Orchids who will be competing in the senior men’s and also the defending champions Biala Suaras,” Kautu said.