The Papua New Guinea Men’s National Touch Football Team has been training intensely and rigorously since 2022 in preparation for the upcoming Touch Rugby League World Cup that is slated from July 15-21 this year in Nottingham, England.
The men’s team had performed outstandingly at the 2023 Pacific Games held in the Solomon Islands, falling short of claiming gold but settling for the silver medal.
PNG men’s team has been one of the dominant forces on the international arena, including the women’s team. Both teams’ world ranking over the last few years were in the top 10, which is quite impressive.
With only three weeks to go before the 2024 Touch Rugby League World Cup kicks off, the men’s squad will name its final 16 players in the coming days for the international event.
The bulk of the Pacific Games silver medal winning team retained their spots, while a couple of new faces had been added to the squad.
As the clock ticks down to the international event, the team is speeding up their training schedules and working on sharpening the rough edges to prepare well for the tournament.
Veteran PNG touch footy player and captain, Eugene Eka, said they had worked tirelessly over the last two years and were prepared to prove their worth.
“We are focused and look forward to the world cup. Our training sessions have been wonderful and the boys are putting in the required effort and energy,” Eka said.
Meanwhile, the women’s and mixed teams are also in the same phase with the men’s team. The three teams are ready to represent PNG in the 2024 Touch Rugby League World Cup.
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