SURFERS EXTENDS A HAND TO PNG
SURFERS Paradise are known for their international flavour within the Gold Coast District Rugby Union competition and now they’re looking to do their bit to help the sport grow on the world stage.
Among the Dolphins’ ranks are former Italy Test playmaker Kris Burton as director of rugby and South African hardman Darren Uys as co-coach, while Aisake Folaumoetu came across from New Zealand mid-season as their star recruit. Besides their efforts on the field as they prepare for the first grade preliminary final against Helensvale at Glennon Park this afternoon, Uys’s fellow co-coach Rangi Joseph is helping spearhead the club’s Uncommonwealth Rugby Development Academy.
The URDA program will largely revolve around aiding efforts to improve rugby sevens talent in Papua New Guinea, which is more widely renowned as rugby league heartland.
“The Governor of Jiwaka (William Tongamp), he came over to visit and he is possibly looking at developing their men’s sevens towards the 2024 Olympics,” Joseph said.
“He’s looking at bringing players over to work with myself and some of the New Zealand Rugby Union.
“His son (Gabby) is over here at the moment.
“He is a big league fan but he wants to expand and he saw a difference in rugby from a professional aspect and he is big on education and development. He has built the most schools in PNG.”
Through the agreement, Surfers will house a number of players in their various sides.
“The next 12 months there will be at least six to eight (players) that will start transitioning over and we’ll be looking at running programs in PNG as well,” Joseph said.