While the concept and idea of rugby union remains very new to many of the villagers, students of the Tubusereia Primary School have been receptive and quick to jump on board the program.
For the kids in Tubusereia, rugby union is somewhat a foreign language. But from today onwards, that is about to change.
The Get into Rugby program will allow for students to learn the art of Rugby Union ethics on and off the field while paving the way forward for talent identification and mass participation.
But while trying to break the rugby league trend seems mission impossible, PNGRFU Development Officer Peter Moide believes beginning with students is a good start.
They’ve been really exciting, getting the ball and enjoying themselves. The program will be weekly. At the end of the day it’s all about having fun for the children,” said Moide.
David Mead, the young lad from Tubusereia Village currently in the NRL has set the benchmark for many youth to look up to; also one of the many reasons why the village community are committed fans and followers of rugby league.
But Andy Hakwa, Sports teacher of the Tubusereia Primary School believes this opportunity from World Rugby through the PNG Rugby Football Union could work wonders for the community.
“It’s a dream for every child, most of them here getting into education is difficult, and most of them may not. But getting a concert like this here. If David mead has done it in rugby league, someone from our community here can do it for rugby union,” said Hakwa.
The Get into Rugby program this year, began in the Hula villages and is travelling through the Motuan Coastline, with Hanuabada their next destination. Another difficult task at hand trying to break the cricket crazy trend.
But as the union aims on maintaining their stance with the highest number of participants in the Oceania region, this seems a task easily handled.
