Women’s sevens series to be hosted next: official

By SULI SULI
WOMEN’S matches of the Kumul Petroleum Papua New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU) Super Sevens Series will still be held, according to coordinator Paul Joseph.
The matches were initially scheduled to be held from the third week of the series at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby, but the inaugural tournament was cut short due to the general election.
“It was very unfortunate that we decided to call off the women’s tournament,” Joseph told The National.
“But we’re looking at a date (for the women’s matches) after the general election.
“The president (Paul Siwi) assures all the women’s teams from the respective provincial unions that we will still hold the matches.”
Joseph said PNGRU was considering staging the women’s matches in July after the annual Sports Tok Sevens.
“We’ve got the Sports Tok Sevens next month, so we’re still deciding whether to host the matches in July or after that,” he said.
Joseph, however, said the deferral would give the teams more time to prepare for their matches.
“We’re also looking at increasing the number of teams to 12, so we expect more provincial unions to express interest in competing in the series,” he said.
Following the recent success of the men’s matches, Joseph said the men’s and women’s matches together would have been a challenge.
Considering this, he said it was important to host the women’s matches separately.
“Just like all other sports, we also want to raise their (women) profile,” he said.
“When they play on their own, it gives them a sense of prominence.
“This is an important aspect of the sport, promoting equal participation.”
Meanwhile, the conclusion of the men’s series saw the resumption of rugby in Port Moresby over the weekend.