AFTER claiming the 2025 Niupower KMHL Sports Tok 7s title, the Devo Babas are looking to make more international appearances as the season progresses.

The Viti-Roofing sponsored 7s side were the first international men’s team all the way from Vanua-Levu, Fiji to make their season debut in Papua New Guinea’s top national 7s tournament during the Easter weekend.

Team Manager Salacieli Tabalailai said, “We came a long way from Fiji to compete in PNGs three-day sevens tournament and are grateful for the invitation.”

“First when we heard about this tournament (Sport Tok 7s), we were not surprised because it was inline with what our club upholds, promoting our talents from the grassroots level to the top.”

He said the Babas 7s club started four years ago with an intent to promote rugby at the grassroots level and also breed talents who can be recognized at the highest level through Fiji Rugby.

The Babas were also crowned the 2025 Fiji Bitter Marist 7s champions late last month before receiving an invitation to fly over to Port Moresby and participate in the Sport Tok 7s.

“We started teaching these young guys how to play since the club was established four years ago and the number of interests has been growing, there are a lot of talented players…We need to lift the morale of rugby in Fiji.”

“For us winning a first international 7s title is a milestone because it was also our first time to play outside of Fiji, we are grateful to all our sponsors who have backed us up here in PNG and to the Fijian community that showed up in numbers to support,” he added.

Prior to competing in PNG, Babas youngster Aisake Peni was selected into the Fiji Airways National 7s extended squad following outstanding performance in the Fiji Bitter 7s series finals.

He is likely make his debut in the upcoming Los Angeles 7s in the United States next weekend.

Meanwhile the Babas were accompanied by the Tagimoucia Ranadis Womens Rugby Club to compete in the 7s tournament in PNG. They secured the Bowl title before returning home last week.

Photo Credit: Sports Tok Magazine