THE Malaita Rugby Union Association (MRUA) together with Honiara-based Malaita Crusaders Rugby Club have confirmed that they are hosting a year-ending rugby union 7s competition in the Provincial Headquarter, Auki.
Games manager, Walter Baekalia explained that the much-anticipated tournament, the SPOL-Solomon Power Crusaders Auki 7s, will feature mostly teams from rugby clubs in Malaita province.
“These teams will also be including a lot of players from Malaita Crusaders club and we are looking forward to seeing their performances during the cause of this tournament,” Baekalia explained.
He said there will definitely be the inclusion of players from other Honiara rugby clubs, but the main focus is to give our players the needed motivations and game times to help them in their ongoing developments in this code.
Baekalia further explained that this event comes as part of Malaita Crusader’s ongoing offseason development programs for its players, as we prepare this new but enthusiastic club for next year’s season.
Baekalia added that “Hosting this event in Auki comes at a perfect timing where we are able to share it with our support base, back home. This is also one way to get our sportsmen and women in the central region to maintain their fitness levels but most of all, their discipline in such a time where social activities are expected to be high. We are also hoping to scout for young talents from this tournament”.
The competition will run for two consecutive days, starting on Friday 17th and ending on Saturday 18 December 2021.
The competition will have two categories, one for men and one for women. Registration of teams who wish to participate opens tomorrow (Thursday 9 December) and closes on Tuesday 14. Registration for men’s is $500 per team and $250 for women’s.
Baekalia however encouraged that all participating teams will have very high chances of winning a prize as there are many exciting prizes to win, with the winner for men’s will walk away with $7,000, plus a trophy, while the winner for women’s, will walk away with $3,000 cash prize.
The organizers meanwhile, thanked South Pacific Oil Limited and Solomon Power who are the major sponsors of this year’s Auki 7s.
“On behalf of Malaita Crusaders Rugby Club, we would want to acknowledge our two main sponsors, including Malaita Rugby Union Association, for this event wouldn’t eventuate without their support and sponsorships.
Men’s Competition
First prize $7,000 + Trophy
Second prize $5,000
Third prize $3,000
Forth prize $2,000
Plate prize is a cash prize of $1,000
Women’s Competition
First prize $3,000
Second prize $2,000
Third Prize $1,500
Fourth prize $1,000
To register and for more details, please contact Clyde Afia on 7678994 or Walter Baekalia on 7321643.
