By Lorraine Genia – EM TV Sports, Port Moresby
The Pukpuks Sevens squad, who left for Fiji today, will participate in a 3 week training program in preparation for the HSBC Wellington 7s tournament, in New Zealand from the 6th – 8th February.
The tournament will be the first leg of the Pukpuks World Series Circuit campaign.
Recently appointed team manager, Billy Rapilla said, Wellington will be a huge step up for the Pukpuks.
The team’s camp in Fiji comes as Rapilla and head coach, Fereti Verebula identified Fiji as an ideal preparatory venue.
“As the best component of Rugby 7’s in the region, Fiji offers the best possible facilities and resources that can help prepare the boys well for the challenges to be faced in Wellington”, says Manager Rapilla.
Coach Verebula’s alignment in Fiji, given his sevens background on home soil, is also a bonus for the team.
However, the Pukpuks have a lot of expectations to exceed, since qualifying for the World Circuit Series at the Oceania 7s in Noosa, last year.
Rapilla has full confidence in the team, as he expects to see them do a lot better than what has been done in the past.
The squad will return from Fiji by the end of the month, and a final 12 men team will be named.
