The stage is set for one of the biggest Rugby Union 7s competitions here in Papua New Guinea, the Niu Pawa Sports Tok 7s is set to take place over the Easter weekend in Port Moresby.
Since its establishment in 2018, the competition has always had a wide range of teams come from around the nation to participate in this extravagant sports competition.
In an interview with the competition facilitator, Mr. Joe Kautu, he announced that the tournament dates are confirmed for the 29th-31st March and will be played in two locations- the first two days at Bava Park and finals will be played at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
There will be a total of 56 teams taking part in the tournament with 32 men’s, 12 women’s and 12 Under 20 teams.
Additionally, there are a total of 12 teams that will be flying in from Kimbe, Rabaul, Buka, Madang, Lae, Kavieng and Daru to take part in the Niu Pawa Sports Tok 7s 2024.
The competition has always only awarded the winners for the cup in both the men’s and the women’s division with K20, 000 cash prize for the Open Men’s Cup Winners and K15, 000 cash for the women’s Cup Winners of the tournament.
Kautu highlighted that serious action will be taken against teams that instigate or cause violence against match officials and organizers during the competition.
“There is no place for violence in our tournament. In the past, teams have been suspended and banned for such incidents in the tournament. “
“We do not tolerate violence in any form,” he said.
Furthermore, Mr. Kautu confirmed that there will be a judiciary in place to deal with on-field calls and plays that raise complaints from team players, coaches and managers.
Mr. Kautu also spoke appreciatively of the tournament sponsor for its continued support and its partnership.
“We are grateful and want to thank Niu Power Energy for backing us again this year and we look forward to continuing on the partnership, hopefully in the coming year as well.”
Meanwhile, he mentioned that this year’s event will be bigger than the previous years with the increased number of teams taking part in the Open Men’s category of the competition.
“We have a total of 32 teams registered in the Open Men’s division. We normally have around 20 to 24 teams.”
“It’s going to be exciting so we encourage everyone to come and support their teams.”