9 Mar 2009

Papua New Guinea rugby union begins World Cup buildup

11:57 am on 9 March 2009

The Papua New Guinea rugby union side the Pukpuks begin their warmup for the 2011 World cup qualifiers next month.

The side will travel to Queensland for three matches to also prepare for this year's Oceania Cup.

All the matches will be played using the Experimental Law Variations to best prepare the PNG squad for the same playing conditions at the Oceania Cup.

PNG rugby union players made a big impact in last year's Premier Grade competition, most notably at Norths who contracted five players to their squad during the middle of 2008.

National representatives David Eri, Gina Ponda, Francis Genia, Shadrach Ghabila and Roland Namo all made appearances for the Eagles.

Argentina's renowned Hindu Club also plans to tour Australia throughout March. Their Brisbane leg of the tour includes one match against GPS on March 14.