The Sydney-based Burra Rays Women’s 7s team is in Rarotonga with one goal in mind: to take the Raro 7s title back to Australia.

The team of 16 women arrived in Rarotonga on Tuesday morning and have been doing their final touches in preparation for the two-day tournament that starts tomorrow at the National Stadium in Nikao.

Burraneer “Burra Ray” RFC player Scarlet Heather, who is of Cook Islands descent, says this is the first time for the team to be in Rarotonga and they are here to have fun.

“Obviously we want to take home the win,” Heather added.

According to Burra Ray news, the team won the Centenary 7s in Sri Lanka in April this year and the Dubai International Clubs 7s event.

Heather played in the final match of the Dubai tournament.

She said another player to watch out for this weekend is Shaye Shipton.

Burra Ray 7s coach Chris Nay said the team has had successful tournaments domestically and is always looking to play in international tournaments.

“This tournament was highly recommended in terms of facilities, the competition, and the quality of it. And so, we thought that we’d come over and see if we can test ourselves over here as well.”

Nay said they love playing in the Pacific. They were in Samoa last year and really enjoyed that experience.

“We have got a lot of girls with Pacific heritage in our team and so being in this area makes it really nice.

“The girls get to explore where they’re from, like Scarlet she has Cook Islands heritage, and a few of the other girls are Maori and different bits and pieces. And so, it’s really important for us to keep that connection going. And I think that’s one of the main reasons why we wanted to come here and enjoy it.”

Meanwhile, an outreach programme was organised at the National Stadium yesterday for children to have a run around and learn skills and tips from the Sydney Burra Rays women’s 7s players and officials.