The Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) and Solomon Islands Rugby League teams will honour the late Joe Bomal Carlo in Saturday’s Test Match on 15th October at Port Vila Stadium. Joe Bomal Carlo is a legend of Vanuatu Sport and the VRL could think of no better way to honour him than to play in the Joe Bomal Memorial Test Match.
The decision was made by the VRL Executive due to the service he not only gave all Vanuatu sport but especially in its development since December 2011. The VRL’s inaugural and current President Tom Carlo is the son of the late Joe Bomal Carlo.
Commenting on behalf of the family, Tom Carlo said “It is an honour to have the International Test match be given this recognition to my late father for his contribution to not only sport in Vanuatu but also the Oceania region. My family thanks the VRL for this tribute in remembering the late Joe Bomal Carlo.”
Continuing the family theme, the Vanuatu Rugby League team will for the first time feature three brothers in the same team. The Lui brothers will contribute Tonny, Ben and Danford. Tonny, a hair stylist for the world famous drama Love Patrol will be playing his fourth Test match for Vanuatu. Ben, who works for Virgin Australia will be playing his third game. Danford, from the Vanuatu Military Force will be making his Test debut.
It will also be a milestone game for Jason Pakoasongi as he becomes the only player to play his 5th Test Match and will become the all-time leading record holder for Vanuatu after the match, having played in all Test Matches to date. Jason, a 37-year-old lawyer will also have the chance to become Vanuatu’s leading try-scorer, a record he currently shares with Joshua Tanner and Robbie Congoo with 3 tries.
The Annual Island of Origin Rugby League game between the Port Vila Fire Ants and the Santo Boars will kick off the day’s proceedings. Fans are encouraged to get to the game early to watch what is in its own right a main event
Tickets for the game against Solomon Islands are available for sale now at The Brewery Bar and FM107. Ticket Prices are 1,500 Vatu for the Grandstand and 500 Vatu for General Admission. Tickets will also be available for sale at the gate.
Match Details:
Venue: Port Vila Stadium
Gate Open: 12:30pm
Port Vila Fire Ants vs Santo Boars: 1:00pm
Vanuatu Rugby League vs Solomon Islands: 3:30pm
