Harlequins, Irok Pirates hosted inaugural Medics Cup to honor legacy

The Hornibrooks Harlequins emerged victorious over the Irok Pirates with a 6-0 margin in the first-ever Medics Cup hosted last Saturday (August 16th, 2025) in Morobe’s capital, the renowned Lae Scrum Oval.

In a grueling and physical contest, Ipson Tete and Travis Manguna's two penalty conversions decided the outcome of the match, with the jesters of Lae Scrum Oval claiming the bragging rights over the freebooters.  

The Harlequins and Pirates were once merged in the 1990s, playing together for the Medics Club, which was established in 1992. The founding teams separated two years later (1994) and formed their own clubs.

The Medics Cup was initiated by the Harlequins and Pirates clubs this year to honor the rich history of the foundational club (Medics) and pay respect to the pioneers and former players.

The Hornibrooks-backed Harlequins’ President, Francis Miria, highlighted the significance of the Medics Cup, giving the reason behind the establishment of the inaugural rugby event. 

“We started the Medics Cup to pay respect to the founding players of the Medics Club that was formed in 1992,” President Miria stated.

“In 1994, the two clubs broke away from the Medics club and formed the Harlequins and the Pirates. 

“The reason is to pay respect to the Medics Club’s past players, and also to educate our new generation about the club’s history.”

With Harlequins and Pirates being the founders of the Medics Cup in 2025, Mr. Miria revealed that the two clubs planned to compete and commemorate this event annually. 

President Miria mentioned that they would reach out to the business houses to sponsor the Medics Cup and make it an annual event, while also raising some funds to support charity initiatives in Lae. 

“Our future plan is to talk to the sponsors and put in some funds for the clubs, and maybe run a charity fundraiser toward the Angau Hospital, including other charity programs in the city,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Hornibrooks Harlequins had double celebrations - they not only claimed the Medics Cup, but also walked away with the Morobe Rugby Union (MRU) Minor Premiership trophy, and are looking forward to the finals.

PC: MRU