The main rugby oval, Londolovit on Lihir Island will come alive on the 17th -19th of February, 2023 when the New Ireland Rugby Union hosts the Islanders 7's tournament. New Ireland Rugby Union (NIRU) President Charlie Melachon has confirmed this and further stated that the tournament will see a variety of rugby clubs within New Ireland come together to participate and promote the spirit of rugby within the province. According to President Melachon, there are 6 registered clubs under NIRU that will participate in the tournament and the union is focusing on hosting the three-day tournament on Lihir to purposely establish a rugby association for the island. “The Islanders 7s tournament that will be hosted at Londolovit will only feature teams from the different clubs within the province to take part and this tournament is the lead up towards the establishment of Lihir Rugby Union club that will bring the number of clubs to 7”, said the president. Currently there are six clubs registered under NIRU, Kavieng Urban Rugby Club, Kara Rugby Club, Nalik Rugby Club, Central (New Ireland) Rugby Club, Namatanai Rugby Club and the Matalai Rugby Club. Hopefully after the tournament, Lihir Rugby Club will be established. President Melachon also stated that they are also looking at establishing two more clubs apart from the initial Lihir Rugby Union club, and they are Lovongai Rugby Club and Murat Rugby Club. Mr Melachon made in light also that the union is sponsored by different businesses all throughout the province however all information relating to sponsors and the three-day winning prizes will be confirmed by Friday after the board sits in for a briefing. Despite challenges being faced whilst preparing for the tournament, Melachon said he is sure the tournament will be a success. “We faced a lot of challenges mainly in the work of re-establishing rugby associations within the province, scouting proper sponsors as well as getting support from the provincial government’ “We are involving youths and individuals to abstain them from causing problems in their communities and to show them the benefits of sports.” Mr Melachon encourages more participation from individuals and youths within the province as NIRU will be up on its feet this year. He urges youths especially to participate in tournaments and programs that will be carried out by NIRU this year. “NIRU is also calling out to businesses as well as parents and guardians to show support to the association and their children as there will be a lot of organized programs for rugby within the province this year”, Melachon said.