Excitement is in the air as fans look forward to the Justin Tkatchenko (JT) 9s Rugby Tournament which is expected to kick off on February 6th. The Tournament Director, Mr. Bagelo Solien shared to PNG HAUSBUNG that only 13 days remain before the start of the tournament, and teams have already flooded for registration, emphasizing the preparations and expectations for this year’s competition. The tournament has already accommodated 84 teams for Senior Men’s, Under-20 and women’s division. Mr. Solien emphasized that the tournament will limit the number of teams in each division. Senior-men's division will feature 44 teams, 40 teams for U-20, while women are expected 16 teams. According to Mr. Solien, each pool will progress 24 Teams for the main event for senior-men’s and U-20, top 16 teams will qualify and compete for the prestigious Cup, Plate and Bowl, while teams ranked 17-24 will vie for the penance, excluding the U-20. The women’s division, the top 8 teams will compete for top Honors. Mr. Solien stressed that most teams are fulfilling their requirements, although last-minute entries continue to trickle in. “To enhance the experience, logistics like transport arrangements must be provided by Team management to ensure smooth operations,” said Mr. Solien. Mr. Solien also highlighted the tournament’s emphasis on safety, fair play, and sportsmanship, with strict medical checks and a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct. The official launch on February 6th will include a fireworks display, marking the start of the significant JT 9s with the grand final winner to walk away with K50,000 that coincides with the country’s 50th anniversary celebrations. This year’s event promises to deliver thrilling rugby league action and unforgettable moments for all involved.