Royals Reign Supreme Over Harlequins to Bag MRU Title

In a bruising and brutal Morobe Rugby Union (MRU) Premier Grade Men’s Grand Final, the Consort Royals pulled off a thrilling 5-3 victory over the courageous Hornibrook Harlequins to claim the coveted title on Saturday, 20th September 2025, at Igam Barracks. 

The Royals fell short to the Irok Pirates in last season’s decider, but mended their broken hearts this season, following a nail-biting 2-point triumph against the equally determined Harlequins over the weekend in Morobe’s capital.

A very physical and intense grand final blockbuster saw the Royals score an unconverted try while the Harlequins slotted a 3-point penalty goal, with the men in blue overcoming the jokers in the bloody and arm wrestling 80-minute contest. 

Losing to the sea robbers (Pirates) last year was a hard pill to swallow, but the Royals came prepared in the 2025 MRU season and redeemed themselves with a premiership trophy, breathing a sigh of relief.

The Consort Royals-sponsored club President Joel Wimbi was pleased with the hard-fought victory, acknowledging God and crediting the players for accomplishing their mission in the 2025 MRU season. 

“Firstly, I want to say thank you to our God Almighty for blessing us with the gift of playing rugby union,” Wimbi said.

“This is our fourth consecutive year of playing in the grand final, where we won 2 premierships and lost 2. I’m grateful to the young players who stood up for the big show, including the senior players.”

The Royals have delivered an outstanding and compelling season, with president Wimbi adding: “We were consistent from the start of the season and fighting our way up to end the season as champions.” 

Mr. Wimbi acknowledged the club’s major sponsor and minor sponsors, including the players, the MRU executives, the Lae City Authority, the police personnel, the die-hard fans, and their families for making the 2025 MRU season a memorable one.

“As the President and player of the Royals Rugby Union Club, I want to thank our major sponsor Consort Express Lines for their continued support over the years, including supporting sponsors, Lae Metro Police, Lae City Authority, and PGJ & Co Skip Bins, ” he expressed. 

“To our families, friends, and supporters in Lae and around the country, thank you for your support throughout the season.  

“Also, a big thank you to all my players and the management team. It’s a blessing for us to be crowned the 2025 MRU champions.”

The elated president concluded his remarks with the Royals’ famous slogan or catch cry: “Loyal Royals, we shall not be moved, standing by the Bumbu side.”

The Royals Rugby Union Club was established in 1988. It is one of the foundational clubs in the MRU competition. Since its establishment to date, the club has won over 20 premierships, solidifying its position as a force to be reckoned with in the amateur MRU competition.