Rookie Sevens founder praises Port Moresby teams for participating

ROOKIE Sevens founder Cybele Druma has praised Port Moresby teams for competing in last weekend’s rugby tournament and has promised a bigger event next year.
She said women and junior development were the core focus of the tournament with more emphasis to be given for the two divisions in future.
“We’re definitely looking at opening the floodgates as of next year, we’re looking at 120 teams to participate in the 2020 Rookie Sevens,” Druma said. “It’s really all about the teams, they’re the ones that make it big as it is. When we first started in 2006, we only had 16 teams and that was when women’s rugby was born in Papua New Guinea.
“We had four women’s teams and 12 Under-20 sides. We were basically improving the tournament for those two divisions. We’re grateful that teams continue to support the event.
“The two Moresby associations, Capital Rugby Union and National Capital District Rugby Union), have been supportive.
“It’s a great way to end of the year with that kind of unity within our rugby fraternity.”
Druma said this year’s tournament was the biggest so far with 60 teams across four divisions and the involvement of sponsors National Gaming Control Board and Melanesian Trustee Services.