Friday, July 25, 2008 – Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: Digicel, the fastest-growing mobile telecommunications operator in the Pacific and the Caribbean and new entrant to the Central American market, is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the IRB World Cup 2009 Oceania Sevens Qualifier to be held in Samoa this weekend, 25-26 July.

A total of 11 rugby union sevens teams from different Pacific nations will compete in this IRB Rugby World Cup Qualifier. Two pools of four teams have been drawn up for the men’s competition, whilst the women will compete in one pool of five. The strongest competing rugby union sevens teams are Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea. Digicel is the major sponsor of each of these teams.

William Glenwright, General Manager Oceania International Rugby Board, said, "The Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 Qualifiers – Oceania, is an exciting event for the region with all 11 of our Member Unions assembling in Apia in July. It is also a historic event in that for the first time our women’s teams are vying for a place at the Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens. It is not often that an event attracts all of our Member Unions in one country for an event and I trust you will enjoy this unique experience and the bonds that will evolve. Oceania has a proud history in Sevens Rugby and I would like to wish all teams a successful tournament as the journey starts towards next year’s World Cup."

"IRB Oceania and FORU wishes to express its gratitude to Digicel Pacific for its support to the sport of rugby around the region, especially the generous sponsorship for the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 Qualifiers - Digicel Oceania Sevens offered to the Samoa Rugby Union. We look forward to a great relationship with Digicel Pacific Ltd in the future, Mr. Glenwright added.

Digicel Pacific CEO, Vanessa Slowey, said of the IRB World Cup Qualifier sponsorship: “As with our partnerships with Samoa Rugby, Fiji Rugby, Vanuatu Rugby, Tonga Rugby and Papua New Guinea Rugby, we want to be more than just sponsors of the teams, but rather partners with the Rugby Unions in each country working at every level to help and support the development of rugby from grassroots to national level.”

 

“Digicel’s passion for delivering innovative technology and superior mobile phone services in its Pacific markets has led to the company’s phenomenal success over the past two years. We are confident that this passion coupled with our Pacific rugby experience makes Digicel the right partner to help grow the sport of rugby in the region to its true potential. Digicel wishes all the participating unions and its teams a successful tournament” Ms. Slowey added.

Digicel is committed in supporting rugby throughout the Pacific and is the proud sponsor of Fiji Rugby, Digicel Fiji 7s, the Digicel Pacific Islanders Rugby Team the Digicel Vanuatu Rugby 7s and 15s and the Manu Samoa Rugby 7s and 15s. Digicel aims to become the sponsor of choice throughout the Pacific through its partnership with rugby union.

 

Digicel and SRU have designed the two-day event to be a fun-filled family event. At Apia Park, the North stand has an allocated area – Family Zone which is strictly smoke free and families with young ones will be assigned to this area. Entertainment for Kids is also provided through Extreme Bounce activities like bouncing castles and rugby tackle. Match day promotions throughout the two days will add to the festive atmosphere.

 

The Digicel Cheer Squad competition is also one of the draw cards of the event.  Some 11 teams have entered and will cheer for each of the participating nations. The winning squad will win the Digicel Cheer Trophy. 

 

 

Since its launch in the South Pacific in November 2006, Digicel has become the fastest-growing mobile operator in the Pacific, with current operations in Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. The company was recently granted a license by the Government of Fiji and has commitments from several other countries in the Pacific.

 

Digicel has contributed to the 0.7% growth to the GDP of Papua New Guinea since its launch as the second mobile operator on July 20, 2007.

 

Digicel is the largest operator in the Caribbean operating in 23 markets and rolling out new operations in Central America. The company is renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, and superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services, and state-of-the-art handsets.

 

Digicel is proud sponsor of several national rugby teams across the South Pacific including; Fiji Rugby, Digicel Fiji 7s,Samoa Rugby Union, Tonga Rugby union, Digicel Vanuatu Cricket team, Digicel Vanuatu Rugby 7s and 15s and the Digicel PNG Pukpuks. For more information, please visit www.digicelpacific.com.