Both the PNG Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams have managed to qualify for the Challenger Series in 2024 and for the World Rugby repechage for the Olympics qualifiers where they will have another chance to compete for a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games. In an Interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, PNG Rugby CEO Sailosi Druma mentioned that both teams performed quite well in the Oceania 7s tournament as both teams finished in fourth place in their respective categories. “We managed to meet our expectations because both teams qualify for the challenger series and also for the repachage for the Olympic Games, which is a good opportunity and another chance for them [Pukpuks and Palais].” In the Men’s Division at the top of the ladder was New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji and PNG while in the Women’s division it was, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and PNG. Druma added that the same players for both the Palais and Pukpuks teams travelled to Honiara today with Team PNG with two new player inclusions for both teams with Australian-based Palais Players joining the women down in Honiara, Solomon Island. PNG National 7s Mens Team: Derrick Voku, Richard Mautu, Edward Ramit, Kunak Late, Benjamin Kennedy, Mhustapha Goena Kura, Benson Hayai, Kadum Mais, Emmanuel Alfred, Benjamin Boas, Jacky Winias and Shaun Ongapa with Aiem Pilokos (Coach), John Tekwie ( S&C Coach) and Shaun Tatut (Team Manager). PNG National 7s Womens Team: Magdeline Swaki, Nina Stein, Cynthia Peters, Chelsea Garesa, Esther Gigimat, Barbara Sigere, Alice Aloise, Fatima Rama, Gemma Schnaubelt, Helen Ken Alo, Joyce Taravuna, Cecil Davani (Coach), Steven Kodana (S&C Coach) and Dinah Pupun(Team Manager) He further added that none of the players had sustained any form of injuries from the Oceania 7s Tournament down in Brisbane last week. When asked which countries will be putting up a challenge for the Palais and Pukpuks, Druma stated that it would most likely be the Fijian and Samoan teams putting up a challenge for team PNG but had high hopes for both teams to come out at the top of the ladder in the games. “In the past we’ve always gotten the bronze for the men, for the women we can get silver because we’re capable of beating Samoa and Tonga so it’ll between us and Fiji in the women’s.” “In the men’s, it will be a challenge between Tonga and PNG for the bronze while Fiji and Samoa will most likely go for the gold and silver but I think if they can secure that silver spot, it’ll be really good for them [Pukpuks]." “This is a good opportunity for them to try and win the silver." "If they play really well and upset Fiji, they’ll have a good opportunity to win gold.” Meanwhile Druma stated that he is currently running a two day training education program for the Alotau Rugby Union in the Milne Bay province to widen the reach of the code in the nation.