Sports Tok Sevens set for weekend kick-off

THE annual Sports Tok Sevens rugby union tournament is now scheduled to kick off this weekend at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby, after multiple deferrals due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Speaking on radio over the weekend, tournament organiser Benson Upas said approval was given in October on a condition that all players be jabbed.
But Upas and his organising committee decided to write to the Office of the National Pandemic Response Controller to allow vaccinated and unvaccinated players to take part.
Another highlight for the tournament is that it will be held at the stadium.
Upas described it as a huge step forward from the traditional venue of Bava Park.
Like the previous years, the tournament will see 24 teams taking part with four sides from outside Port Moresby.
“There were initially 10 teams from outside Port Moresby,” Upas said.
“But due to Covid-19 restrictions, four teams pulled out.
“The teams that pulled are two from Kimbe, one from Madang and one of Rabaul.
“We really wanted teams from the Highlands to participate this year, but that will not happen.
“So we will plan and see if we can have at least a rugby sevens team coming next year.”
Upas said they were working to get approval for spectators to attend the tournament.
Meanwhile, Upas thanked Brothers coach John Kautu and rugby union official Paul Joseph for providing personnel to oversee the tournament.