The 2023 Rookie 7s Tournament kicked off this week in Port Moresby. The tournament started today with the Under 20s matches. This year is also the fifth year for Rookie 7s to include Deaf Rugby. “We are honored to provide the platform to promote and foster the growth and recognition of Deaf Rugby in PNG,” Rookie 7s Founder Cybele Druma said. “Rookie 7s first introduced Deaf rugby in its tournament in 2018 and has consistently hosted its matches.” The three teams in the Deaf Rugby division are Coastal Hurricanes, Highlands Piggies and Deaf Central. The World Deaf Rugby’s intent of including deaf rugby is to achieve equality through participation and the removal of discrimination against Deaf and Hard of Hearing people within rugby. There are forty-eight teams taking part in the Under 20 Division. Unitech Reds are the only team from outside of Port Moresby who are currently in the capital, having arrived in Port Moresby this morning. West Papua and Kimbe pirates are the other two teams from outside Port Moresby. West Papua will also be fielding an Open Women’s team when they arrive tomorrow.