Israel Folau in PoM to promote Valley Hunters Fundraiser

Cross-code athlete Israel Folau arrived in Port Moresby today (August 14th) upon the Valley Hunters Rugby Union Club’s invitation.

Folau is in the nation’s capital to promote the Valley Hunters with their fundraiser for their end-of-year international tour. 

The fundraiser is a pickleball tournament, which will be held tomorrow (August 15th) at the Port Moresby Arts Theatre. There will be games, a meet-and-greet, and a Q&A session. 

Setting foot on Papua New Guinea’s shores for the first time, Folau expressed excitement, saying that the country is similar to Tonga.

“It’s my first time here in Papua New Guinea, which is a great opportunity for me,” the versatile dual-code athlete said.

“It feels like I’m back in Tonga. It’s nice to come here and experience the country and Port Moresby. 

“Will Genia has reached out to me. I’m grateful to Will and the Valley Hunters for this opportunity to come here and give back to the team.”

The Tongan superstar said he could not wait to lace up the boots for the Hunters and play against the local boys.

“It will be nice to have a run with the Valley Hunters and play against the local boys,” Folau expressed.

“It will be a great experience to give back to the team and to the guys who are playing the game.”  

Valley Hunters’ coach Frank Genia said the club is fortunate that Folau accepted their invitation to visit the country.

“It’s good for the game,” coach Genia said about Folau’s visit to Port Moresby.  

“Israel is coming down to support not just the Valley Hunters but also grassroots rugby union through his relationship with Will (Genia), who played together for the Wallabies.

“He was gracious enough to accept our invitation and come to PNG and support rugby in the country, which is great.”

Coach Genia added that having someone like Folau in the country is a blessing for the club, the Capital Rugby Union, and PNG Rugby Union as a whole.

“I think Israel’s visit is huge. It’s not every day that you get 150 Test caps of a Wallaby player in the country, watching the CRU or rugby in general. 

“We have someone like Will, who is leveraging his relationships and bringing Israel and other Wallaby greats to come and help build the code in the country. 

“It brings some credibility back in strengthening grassroots rugby.”

Folau will play for the Valley Hunters in Round 17 of the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union (CRU) when the back-to-back CRU premiers take on the FinCorp University Piggies this evening at Sir John Guise Stadium.