Sixteen teams confirmed for Lae rugby 7s tournament

By LARRY ANDEW
SIXTEEN teams have been confirmed to participate in the Trans Highway Rugby Sevens Invitational Tournament Rosso Cup that will be stage this weekend at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae.
Lae City Authority, under the chairmanship of local MP, John Rosso, has backed the tournament as major sponsor alongside support sponsors in Chemcare Group, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, NKW Group, Goodmen Fielders International, Lae Biscuit Company, Bank South Pacific, Kina Bank and others.
Tournament coordinator Hilake Lokora told The National that outside teams were Sports Tok champions Kramer Auscenco Brothers, Papua New Guinea Pukpuk sides Barbarian and Thunderbolts, Wewak sevens champions Rabaul Stallions, Tomaringa Royals, Kimbe Rebels and Hagen Tribesmen.
Lokora said the local teams taking part in the tournament were Aris, Papuan Compound Ravens, Papuan Compound Jokers, Lae Harlequins development team, Lae Royals, Huon Tech Connections, Sagasec, Tent City Dirty Eight and Morobe Rugby Union select side 411 Bombers.
The coordinator said it would be an entertaining and tough weekend of sevens rugby union and the teams to watch would be Barbarians, Thunderbolts, Stallions, Brothers and Ravens.
“The K50,000 support from the authority to resurrect rugby union in the city is timely,” Lokora said.
“Cup winners will walk away with K20,000 and the Rosso Cup.
“The Cup runners-up, Plate winners and runners-up, and the Bowl winners and runners-up will all receive cash prizes in the two-day tournament.”
The coordinator warned fans to follow the Coronavirus Niupela Pasin measures, including the wearing of face masks, during the tournament.