By Lorraine Genia – EM TV Sport, Port Moresby
Three days out from what will be PNG Rugby Football Union’s biggest gig in 10 years, Fijian coach, Fereti Verebula, who coached the PNG Sevens with the help of the ACT Brumbies to victory in 2014, has tendered his resignation.
Team manager, Billy Rapilla has stepped up to the job, resuming his former role, as national coach, with Graham Osbourne as team manager.
The SP Export PNG Sevens have had a remarkable year in 2014.
From training under a strict high performance regime with the ACT Brumbies, to qualifying for the HSBC Wellington Sevens.
Late last year, Pukpuks coach, Sydney Wesley commended the boys on their efforts, saying, they were the best sevens team he’s seen in recent years.
This year, head coach of the PNG Sevens team, Fereti Verebula’s exit from PNG Rugby Union has caused disruptions to the teams preparations for this weekend’s competition, in New Zealand.
Rapilla told Fiji TV, Verebula’s resignation with PNG Rugby was due to personal reasons, which he could not disclose.
Rapilla has a wealth of experience with coaching.
He has coached the Trukai Harlequins to victory in the Capital Rugby Union Competition and is one of three World Rugby certified rugby educators in Papua New Guinea.
The PNGsevens team is in pool C with sevens kings, New Zealand, alongside England and Canada.
While their chances of winning the cup at the games are slim, PNG’s primary focus is on gaining as much international exposure, and experience, to further skill the boys, for the Hong Kong sevens, held in March.
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