Tournament will not be pushed back further: Host

By PATRICIA KEAMO
TOURNAMENT host Benson Upas says the 2021 Sports Tok rugby union sevens tournament will not be pushed back further than the re-scheduled date in June.
The competition was initially scheduled to be held at Port Moresby’s Bava Park from April 3-4 but was moved to June 12-13 following the Covid-19 restrictions.
Upas told The National last week that the games committee was waiting on the restrictions put on sports and how the Covid-19 situation would turn out.
“We have moved the tournament to the Queen’s birthday weekend, so all the teams are aware and are preparing accordingly,” he said.
“We won’t push the tournament any further (than June 12-13), we’re just waiting on the restrictions.”
This is the fourth year of the tournament with 24 teams confirmed to participate.
Thirteen sides are from outside centres – Lae (4), Daru (4), Kimbe (2), Madang (2) and Rabaul (1) – and 11 are Port Moresby teams.
The teams are Unitech Reds, Chauka Crocs, Laloki Wild Cats, MBB Marlins, Amaroa, Karzens, Juggernauts, Fly Otoros, Sea Robbers, 6B Pirates, Harlequins (Lae), Rabaul Stallions, 15 City Pirates, Vikings, GG Daru, Madang Malabacks, Gerehu Natives, Patuki Warriors, Kingsman, Uni Piggies, PC Ravens, Mantas, CC Jesters and Kramer Auscenco Brothers.