By Lorraine Genia – EM TV Sport, Port Moresby
Rugby union has no doubt been a hot favourite amongst those from the East New Britain province, with many of PNG Pukpuks established through their local competition.
While the East New Britain Rugby Football Union (ENBRFU) has been one of the integral feeder unions to the Pukpuks jersey, they are on the road to doing the same for the PNG Palais.
They have become the first union outside of Port Moresby to establish a women’s rugby competition, with the largest number of female participants in the country.
Following great interest from the ongoing Pacific in Union program, especially girls playing rugby, the women have decided to put on their rugby boots and have formed teams to take part in the ENBRFU local sevens comp, which kicked off last week.
So far, they have been learning the basics of rugby sevens, under the guidance of club coaches and senior players.
Blessed with the natural flair of islanders, ENBRFU President, Hubert Minana, is quietly impressed with the skills, speed, enthusiasm and overall knowledge of rugby shown by the women.
However, Minana said “it was paramount that PNGRFU comes on board with running coaching and refereeing clinics, as integral aspects of the codes development in the province.”
There are four teams in this competition, Rabaul Starlings, Spartans, Harlequins and Royals.
The competition will continue throughout the month, and will run alongside the men’s competition.
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