Rugby Oceania Cup

In the curtain raiser Niue beat Solomon Islands 19-17.

The Niueans making their return to international XV's after an eight year absence.

In the later match the hosts Papua New Guinea beat Nauru 89-7.

For Nauru it was their first ever international 15 a side rugby game.

The next round of the competition on Tuesday will see Solomon Islands taking on Nauru and PNG playing Niue.

Team Manager and Coach, Dominic Tabuna says they are grateful to be given the opportunity to field a team.

“It means a lot for the growing support of rugby on island, making the debut for the National Team in this tournament is a result of years’ worth of work for the Nauru Rugby Union and is a big step forward for the development of the sport on island.”

Tabuna also says the dream of every young man in wanting to become rugby starts has inspired him to form a team for the competition.