Morobe Rugby Union raring for Grand Final

The Morobe Rugby Union (MRU) competition is ready to host its 2025 Grand Final across four divisions on Saturday, September 6th, at Igam Barracks in Lae. MRU’s grand final will run concurrently with the Capital Rugby Union (CRU) in Port Moresby. 

Following three months of competitive rugby skills displayed by the participating teams in the Premier Grade, A Grade, Open Women’s and U20 Division, MRU is gearing up for the big dance. 

The premier men’s reigning champions, Irok Pirates, bowed out of the race. The runners-up, Hornibrook Harlequins, are seeking redemption when they take on the Consort Royals in the decider. 

In the men’s reserve (A Grade), the East Taraka Vikings will meet the Unitech Reds, while the Hornibrook Harlequins will face the Irok Pirates in the women’s division, and the U20 division will see the East Taraka Vikings face off against the Hornibrook Harlequins.

The Hornibrook-sponsored Harlequins have dominated all divisions and made it to the grand final, except bowing out in the women’s division. The jesters of Scrum Oval are on the brink of sweeping the MRU competition.  

MRU President Lionel Kamiak stated that this season had been successful, especially with the introduction of the U20 boys, crediting the participating clubs and extending his appreciation to the sponsors, PNGDF (Igam Barracks), and the fans.

“We are hosting our grand final this weekend. Unfortunately, we can not host the event at Scrum Oval because of the independence celebrations and the upcoming Morobe Show,” Kamiak said.

“We are fortunate to have the TWM Group sponsoring us, including the Lae City Authority, which has been there for us since day one of MRU. LCA not only supports MRU but extends its support to the clubs as well.

“We are very thankful to the Commander of PNGDF and his comrades at Igam Barracks for allowing us to go and use the Igam field.”

Mr. Kamiak said though they had bad weather, including a lack of sponsorship, the MRU managed to utilize whatever resources they had at their disposal to reach the grand final and hoped to finish the season on a high note.

The President has urged the fans to behave responsibly when supporting their teams, noting there would be zero tolerance of alcohol consumption and other illegal substances within the premises of Igam Barracks. 

With less than 20 hours to go, the excitement is already in the air as the grand finalists lock horns and battle for premiership glory in their respective categories at the famous Lae's Igam Barracks.

PC: MRU