2011 Oceania Cup Tournament Schedule Announced for Port Moresby

The Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions (FORU) today announced the 2011 Oceania Cup Tournament schedule, to be hosted in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, commencing on Tuesday 29 November 2011.

Solomon Islands and Niue will open Tournament proceedings, followed by hosts Papua New Guinea taking on Vanuatu.  The Tournament is a first past the post, round robin format, with the winner determined by the total number of competition points gained across the three Tournament rounds.

Oceania Cup Host Union President, Richard Sapias, says the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football Union (PNGRFU) and the people of Papua New Guinea are looking forward to playing host to such a significant regional Tournament.

“The Oceania Cup is a very important Regional Tournament, and provides a vital pathway for the players and coaches of the Region’s development and target Rugby Unions.  Papua New Guinea are the defending Oceania Cup Champions, and whilst the Papua New Guinea team will have strong competition from Solomon Islands, Niue and Vanuatu, the people of Papua New Guinea are looking forward to watching their National team defend the Oceania Cup.”

Oceania Cup Tournament Director, Michael Groom, says that the Oceania Cup provides more than just an international competition pathway for players and coaches. 

“The Oceania Cup not only facilitates a vital competition pathway for the Participating Unions’ players and coaches, it also provides Host Unions with vital exposure and experience in managing and delivering international Tournaments.  We look forward to the PNGRFU delivering a successful 2011 Oceania Cup.”

Papua New Guinea are the defending Champions after defeating Cook Islands 29-21 in the final of the 2009 Oceania Cup.

A copy of the Tournament Schedule is included below.

For further information:

Michael.Groom@irb.com

www.oceaniarugby.com 

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ENDS