Q&A with the 1RPIR Diggers.
Unit Base: Taurama Barracks
The 1RPIR Diggers say they want to be the first in anything and having won the Commander’s Cup several times before, the unit wants to remain the First.
In this special coverage of the 2026 PNGDF Commander’s Cup Challenge, Inside PNG speaks to 1RPIR’s Team Manager and a senior player.
Q: Tell us about yourself and the responsibility placed upon you as the Team Manager for the team from Taurama.
A: Yes, I am Captain Lohi, and my responsibility is to manage the unit from Taurama and I have a senior player here with me who will introduce himself.
Q: Thank you, we would like to know who this senior player is and how is he supporting your role as Team Manager?
A: Thank you, my name is Captain Moses Afuti and I represent the players.
Q: Thank you gentlemen, Now tell us about the Team from Taurama Barracks that will be taking part in the Commander’s Cup. What is the name and how did it get its unit name?
Captain Lohi: Our Unit name is 1RPIR Diggers. 1RIPR represents the unit, we are the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment. We are the first infantry battalion.
Captain Afuti: The name Diggers comes from the Infantry itself. In the time of battle, the infantry men dig holes in the ground to set up its base and also create its defensive position. We are an infantry unit and we are called diggers. That is how we defend our position or territories.
Q: Let start with a brief introduction on the roles and functions of 1RPIR as a unit within the PNGDF.
Captain Afuti: 1RPIR is an infantry battalion and it supports PNGDF’s land operations. We support the Border Operations, Forward Base Operations and Stability operations like the ones in the Highlands. We focus on the land aspects of the operation. So similar to what 2RPIR does as well.
Q: Tell us about what is on the 1RPIR Digger’s flag? What does the color represent and how different is it from the 2RPIR’s flag?
Captain Afuti: Yes, the unit flag is in red and green, and it represents the regimental colors. For 1RPIR, we are more dominant with the Red Color. Because there are two infantry battalions, we have adopted the color red. So our jerseys will have more red than green. For 2RPIR, they have adopted Green, so they use more green than red. That is the slight difference between the two units.
Q: Can you talk a little bit about the importance of having 1RPIR to be part of the Commander’s Cup Tournament?
Captain Afuti: There are only two infantry units in the PNGDF. In fact, PNGDF is more land-orientated. To be involved in the Commander’s Cup is important because 1RPIR makes up the PNGDF. For a long time, we have not seen our comrades from other units. We have new soldiers passing out from Goldie and news officers commissioned from Igam Barracks.
The Commander’s Cup brings us together, it is important because we come together, meet other comrades, create a bond on the field and that bond extends beyond the field.
Q: How is training going so far for the Diggers?
Captain Afuti: We have been in training for the last three months. Training is going well so far, the boys have picked up on the skills that we need. We are on track in our preparations for the Commander’s Cup and we feel that we have a good chance of going into the finals.
Q: Is there a particular unit 1RPIR is keen on challenging in the competition? Maybe a rival team?
Captain Afuti: No, not really. We do not have a team that we see as a rivalry unit. But for us, it is getting that dominance, we are the First Battalion. So we should be the first to build our game and we are looking forward to that. Yes, that is our motivation, we should be the first in everything to dominate the Game and show that One is One.
Q: The Challenge for the Commander’s Cup does bring all the units together on the same sporting field. How can you describe that feeling of different units coming together?
Captain Afuti: The best part of the Commander’s Cup is the comradeship that we build, coming together from the different elements of PNGDF. The Maritime Element is always out at sea, the Air Transport Wing concentrates on the air aspects of PNGDF. We do not know each other and build that relationship.
The positive thing about Commander’s Cup is that it brings us together and it helps us with our physical fitness. The players are getting into shape. It also brings out the pride we have for our unit.
Q: As one of the players, how do you feel personally to be presenting your unit with your other team mates?
Captain Afut: Individually it gives me a sense of pride. The feeling of belonging to a unit. When you carry the name of your unit, a special bond is created between you as an individual and your unit.
Q: What are your messages to your supporters from Taurama Barracks?
Captain Afuti: Not just the Taurama Barracks, we represent the South Side as well. We will be on the field but to our supporters, do come and support the 1RIPIR Diggers. We will require your support on the sidelines.
Any final parting words?
Captain Lohi: Yes, we will have our merchandise shirts that we will be selling as part of our fundraisings. Our supporters are encouraged to buy the shirts and help support the unit. The Commander’s Cup will bring together all units, 1RPIR Diggers is ready. We are looking forward to the tournament. We will do our best but May the Best Unit win.
To conclude, we are making a special acknowledgement of the Unit CO Lt. Col. Eddie Jarope, who is the Commanding Officer for First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment . He is the driving force behind the preparations and planning for 1RPIR Diggers Rugby Union Team.
