Pepsi Cup Capital Rugby Union President, Kori Chan has voiced great delight in the turnout of the capital competition grand final and the overall success. The grand final hosted at the Santos National Football Stadium this year by far has been their biggest one yet, with the President stating that the day was a special tribute to all players and clubs that have come together to make the competition. “Today [Saturday] was a tribute to the players. From the juniors, all the way up to the premier division and the women’s teams.” “It’s a credit to them for all their hard work throughout the season.” “For me it’s about giving back to the players, and I think this venue is fitting for them.” Just over 6,000 spectators turned up in full support of their teams on Saturday, sign of greater things to come hinted President Chan. “I’m proud of all the players, the coaches, and the clubs.” “Without the clubs, we would have no competition and I’m proud of how all the CRU Clubs have taken on board the vision that we try to set which is to raise the standard of the game and they’ve all responded.” He went on to state that this is a turning point that rugby union needed, after a period of being in the doldrums. Chan mentioned that if Rugby was to see a resurgence in the capital and the country, it needs to start at the grassroots level. He expressed his thanks to all those that showed their support on the day and the support from all the sponsors. Another highlight of the Grand Final was having former Super Rugby stars in the likes of CRU Patron, Will Genia, Digby Ioane and Aiden Toua witnessing the games who were all impressed by the quality of Rugby put on by the teams in the capital and are itching to see where they can assist in bringing the standard to the next level. “They loved the passion; they loved the physical aspect of the game.” “There’s a lot of raw talent here. It’s been fantastic having them here.” He said they have plans to explore rugby being played in other parts of the country and said CRU will be looking forward to taking them out to the rural areas and showing them more of PNG Rugby.