The mens rugby sevens squad will no longer be part of Team Cook Islands preparing for the Pacific Games in New Caledonia.
Cook Islands Rugby Union withdrew its mens team from the competition after the union found out that the Pacific Games competition would no longer serve as a qualifier for the 2012 International Rugby Board sevens circuit but instead it will be a qualifier event for the Gold Coast tournament later this year.
In view of the recent announcement by IRB, and the demands placed on codes for participation costs, CIRU have now decided to focus our players and demand for its limited financial resources on attending the Oceania Sevens Championships qualifying tournament to be held in Samoa, states the unions letter to the Cook Islands Sports and Olympic Committee.
However the unions decision to withdraw its mens team has come as a disappointment for Team Cook Islands chef de mission George George.
I am disappointed with the rugby union, says George.
Normally they (rugby union) complain that they dont get enough international games and or have enough tough competitions because local players just play among themselves.
Now heres a chance for them to get the international game time they cry for the union decides to pick and choose what competition they want to play in.
Despite his disappointment, George says he is thrilled at the hard work and commitment by the local womens rugby sevens team and management.
I dont think the men have been out training like the women and now they are using the IRB tag as an excuse, adds George.
Overall, George is happy with the training being put in by other codes and athletes working hard to be in medal contention at the games.
We really appreciate the work the athletes are putting into their training and the support we are getting.
Team Cook Islands will now be represented by around 140 athletes from the codes of athletics, beach volleyball, boxing, body building, football, golf, womens rugby sevens, sailing, squash, tennis, triathlon, oe vaka and weightlifting.
Originally 15 codes were named to attend the games however due to financial difficulties cricket and swimming withdrew.