09/01/2026
The Bava Queens are more determined and excited as they prepare to compete for the third time in the annual Sports Tok Rugby Union 7s tournament this April.
Team leader and player Jemimah Meraudje is confident the Queens still have what it takes to go even further, following their Plate Final victory at the 2023 tournament.
The squad is made up of former representative and pioneer players who have reunited to prove that age is no barrier to success.
One of the team’s biggest international highlights came last year when they claimed a silver medal at the 20th Australian Touch Masters Games in Canberra.
Originally, the Queens had planned to participate in a Rugby Union tournament, but when it was cancelled, they made the bold decision to compete in a different code.
The team stepped up fearlessly, proudly carrying the PNG flag and representing their sisters back home, securing silver in the 30–40 division.
Meraudje said the experience demonstrated that, despite adversity, challenges, and setbacks, the team persevered, overcame obstacles, and succeeded.
With experience gained from both local and international competitions, the Bava Queens will be one of the teams to watch at this year’s Sports Tok 7s tournament.
The team will assemble next month, with several members joining in Port Moresby to begin preparations.
They aim to inspire younger players by showing that age is not a limitation in sport—mindset and mental strength are what push athletes to achieve more.
The team members who represented PNG at the Australian Touch Masters Games last year were Jane Buku, Freda Waula, Michelle John, Amenda Ipat, Jennifer Laka Ponahai, Doris Joseph, and Jemimah Meraudje.
