Vipers training on

THE Port Moresby Vipers are continuing to train under strict Covid-19 guidance as they maintain their focus for the upcoming Digicel Cup season.
With Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) having deferred the season kick-off to April 24, Vipers coach Leonard Tarum told The National yesterday that his side would not lose focus despite the delay.
He said his men had only light training three times a week to maintain fitness and team focus.
“We can’t afford to completely stop our training because the team needs to be focused,” Tarum said.
“With the Covid-19 situation, we understand the risk and we are strictly adhering to safety measures as we continue to train.
“Our training schedule is three times a week.
“For gym sessions, we are using the South Side Fitness Centre at Koki.
“For outdoor training, we are using Ela Beach.” He said the team could not use Sir John Guise Stadium as the PNG Sports Foundation had shut down the facilities during the national isolation period which was announced by the Government last month.
“At this time, we can’t excess those facilities,” Tarum said.
“But hopefully things improve so we can seek approval to use them,” he said.
“But at this stage, we will make use of whatever facilities that we have excess to.”
Meanwhile, the Vipers are open to enlisting SP PNG Hunter Ase Boas, who is still in the country. The 32-year-old was part of Matthew Church’s 30-man squad but he didn’t travel with the team due to illness.
Tarum side the club would be happy to have his services for a second season if Boas was willing.