Dear Stakeholders,
It is with great disappointment that we inform you that, despite our best efforts, we will not be able to stage the Rookies Tournament this year. Ultimately the decision reached was based on factors beyond our control. We share in your disappointment and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Despite the setback, please be assured, we are already focused on the future, and will keep you updated on the dates for the 2025 tournament.
From the Organising Committee and our families, we wish you blessed holidays ahead. May it be a time for celebration and reflection. May the New Year be filled with prosperity, joy, peace, miracles, and deep fulfilment for you and yours..
Sincerely,
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
XCMG Rookie 7s
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PNG's Big 7s
31/12/2023
On behalf of Rookies Rugby and the 2023 Rookie 7s Organizing Committee, I would like to acknowledge and thank the following:
FIRST AND FOREMOST, ALL GLORY TO GOD MOST HIGH for seeing us through from the start to the finish - again. Without Him, we would not be able to have this tournament. He is the driving force that continues to put everything in place, since 2005 when the seed was first planted. Thus, all praise belongs to Him.
I take this opportunity to make mention of the key contributors whose investments and involvement have ensured the ongoing success of the Rookie 7s:
OUR FAMILY OF SPONSORS;
-XCMG (PNG) Machinery Equipment Ltd
-National Gaming Control Board
-Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd
-Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd
We are truly grateful for your belief in our mission and for investing in the Rookie 7s. Your generous sponsorship has played a pivotal role through the years, in our success and growth, both on and off the field. It also provides opportunities for aspiring athletes to excel in the sport of rugby. We take great pride in showcasing your esteemed logo and branding in all aspects of our event.
THE PNGRU;
Rugby is being resurrected, under President Paul Siwi and the current Board and Management. The bold stance on widening the boundaries to enable inclusion in rugby and the endorsement of grassroots centric initiatives like the Rookie 7s is why rugby, especially sevens rugby is making a comeback on the world stage. We are proud to highlight and showcase this endorsement.
THE 72 TEAMS;
All 72 of them - especially our provincial teams; Unitech Reds (U20 Men), Kimbe City Pirates (Open Men), Phaitaroos (Open Men), and our first ever international team - West Papua (Open Men and Open Women’s teams). Everyone brought their A-Game. There was no shortage of exhilarating talent, flair and sevens brilliance, on the field. You leave us with memories that will last a lifetime.
To the West Papuan Team Management and Athletes - Thank you so much for choosing Rookie 7s as your first PNG tournament to participate in. It was an honor to host you this year and we appreciate the talent and competition you brought to the tournament. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2024.
NATIONAL SPORTS TRUST LIMITED;
For coming to our rescue in the eleventh hour, when the original venue arrangements fell through. It was a pleasure to work with the management and staff in delivering a successful tournament together.
VOLUNTEERS;
We extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to each and every one of you who dedicated your time, energy, and skills to make our tournament a resounding success. Your willingness to go above and beyond, whether it was setting up the fields, managing registrations, coordinating matches, or providing assistance to teams and attendees, truly exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. We are immensely grateful for your invaluable contributions.
MEDIA TEAM AND SERVICE PROVIDERS;
-Pilai Piksa
-Yamakoto
-Siniva
Your work speaks for itself. The top photogs in the business. I also acknowledge 360 Images and Ghost Ninja Photography who are breaking into the sports photography space. Thank you for the amazing pictorials and adding to our gallery of lifelong memories.
Really Lost Kids (RLK) Media Production. You are excellence personified. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you, in particular, Gavriel Chalau and Timo. We look forward to another epic collaboration in 2024.
FANS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC;
Yupla stap, na tournament balance. 🫶 We are humbled by your enthusiasm while cheering your teams on in the true spirit of the game and your unwavering support of the Rookie 7s. Your passion for rugby has fueled our determination to strive for excellence and to creating a better experience for you in 2024.
MEGA THANKS and LOVE to ALL. Your belief in the Rookie 7s has not only made a difference in our journey but has also inspired us to reach new heights. Safe and joyful festivities and may the coming year bring you and yours endless opportunities, good health, and memorable moments to cherish.
God Bless.
CYBELE WARI
FOUNDER AND CHAIRLADY
ANNOUNCEMENT ON NEW NAMING RIGHT PARTNER FOR THE ROOKIE 7s
On behalf of Rookies Rugby, we are delighted to announce a
landmark partnership with XCMG (PNG) Engineering
Machinery Ltd as the exclusive naming right sponsor of the
Rookie 7s for the next three years (2024 to 2026). This
exciting collaboration is set to redefine the landscape of
rugby events in PNG, for the next three years.
The Rookies as it is affectionately termed, will now bear the
official title of XCMG Rookie 7s throughout the duration of
this partnership. This agreement reflects the shared
commitment of XCMG and the Rookie 7s to elevate the
tournament's profile, enhance fan experiences, and foster
the growth of rugby on a national scale.
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
Enhanced Tournament Experience:
Fans can look forward to an enhanced tournament
experience with exciting activations, innovative fan
engagement initiatives, and unique opportunities to connect
with their favorite teams and players.
National visibility:
The partnership will provide the Rookie 7s with unparalleled
visibility. This exposure includes prominent branding
throughout the tournament, on broadcast platforms, and
across various digital channels.
Community Development:
XCMG is committed to supporting grassroots rugby
development and community initiatives of the Rookie 7s.
Cybele Wari, Founder of the Rookie 7s, expressed
enthusiasm about this agreement. “This will be the first time,
since the tournament’s inception in 2006, that the Rookie 7s
will have a committed naming right partner for three years.
Securing partners has been challenging, despite the
tournament having a compelling case for success. Hence, we
are excited about this partnership, especially what it means
for the growth of the tournament, and being able to
continue to deliver a high value product for the code. This
partnership will be the game changer”.
Managing Director of XCMG, Mr Jimmy Lin said, “We are
proud to be the naming right sponsor of a Papua New
Guinean product that has consistently delivered for the
sport of rugby union and its communities”.
He said that XCMG was desirous of supporting grassroots
initiatives that played a direct role in the transformation,
elevation and prosperity of Papua New Guineans.
“The corporate social values of XCMG align with the
tournament values, so the decision to become the naming
right partner was an easy one” said Mr Lin.
“We will work closely with the Rookie 7s Committee, to
grow this platform and create initiatives that will have
meaningful impact in our communities”.
President for PNGRU, Paul Siwi, in response to the
partnership deal, said, “Long term partnerships are vital to
the advancement of rugby in PNG. They ensure that key programs continue to be staged over a fixed period of time and boost development on the ground. The benefits and impact of this partnership will also be felt at the national level. We congratulate the Rookie 7s Team, and XCMG on this historic partnership
and warmly welcome XCMG to the code of rugby union
and to our wider family of sponsors. This partnership is a
win for rugby and our communities.”
The XCMG Rookie 7s promises to be an unforgettable
experience, bringing together the best of rugby talent,
passionate fans, and the innovative spirit that defines both
the Rookie 7s and the sport of Rugby 7s.
[PRESS STATEMENT ENDS]
XCMG Rookie 7s PNG's Big 7s
21/12/2023
A great story of courage and how sports provides a powerful platform for hope, and the fulfilment of dreams and aspirations.
It was an honor to host the West Papua team this year, and we look forward to doing it again in 12 months time.
God bless you all Team West Papua; Safe and happy holidays and a prosperous 2024 for you and yours.
West Papuan’s embrace experience at Rookies 7’s tournament in NCD - Post Courier A West Papuan’s dream was inspired by PNG rugby league icon Justin Olam. ‘’I was inspired by Justin Olam.
Our 2023 XCMG Most Valuable Players (MVP)
The Most Valuable Player Award is bestowed upon the athletes that consistently show excellence and mastery in most or all aspects of the game, throughout the tournament. They are the ones who can create something from nothing. They are the go-to when the rest of the team is down on creativity or the fuel tank. They inspire their team mates and always lead from the front. Even in a team brimming with talent, the MVP will still have the edge or the XFactor. The title of MVP comes with a trophy and a cash award of K500. In 2023, all four players were unanimously nominated for the MVP Awards.
Congratulations to all 4 winners.
The Tournament Committee thanks XCMG for continuing this tradition of honoring the best. The Award is a catalyst for all to strive for excellence in the game.
L-R: Open Men's MVP - Blake Mindipi [Gerehu Natives)
U20 Men's MVP - Joseph Aisa [Angau United]
Women's MVP - Naomi Kelly [Avala Chiefs]
Hearing Impaired Men's Division - Wilhelm Raga [Coastal Hurricanes]
XCMG Rookie 7s PNG's Big 7s
20/12/2023
DAY 4 Highlights...
VDO PRODUCTION: RLK MEDIA PRODUCTIONS
19/12/2023
Recap on Results from Rookie 7s 🇵🇬 - Team West Papua 💪🏾
The Mens team put on a spirited performance this weekend playing some wonderful rugby, entertaining the crowd with their speed and skills and pushing each of their opponents to their limits. They bowed out in the group stages but left a great impression on the watching crowd showing lots of promise and gaining valuable experience for the future 💪🏾
The West Papua Womens team were the wildcard package that nobody saw coming. After winning the majority of their pool games they fought all the way to the Bowl Grandfinal and played a very strong and experienced Butterflies outfit. The ladies put on a courageous performance but the experience of the Butterflies proved to be the deciding factor in the end and The West Papua Womens team finished Second in the Bowl Competition ❤️
What an incredible weekend of Rugby, we congratulate the Organisers of the Rookie 7s for a well run tournament and for all their support and assistance. 👍
Also a huge congratulations to all 24 players you did yourselves proud and provided lifelong memories for everyone who came to watch 🔥
Hold your heads high and keep building for the future 👑
To the Coaches, Trainers and Management congratulations on a successful tournament and we look forward to seeing you again in 2024 🫡🔥🙏🏾
This West Papua team is the First team to cross the border and play on PNG 🇵🇬soil and we are proud to have been there to witness history.
Day 3 Highlights..
VDO Production : RLK MEDIA
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