Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) kicks off another season of rugby development for children and youth, with their Rugby Development Officers (RDOs) sporting new uniforms sponsored by the Cook Islands Building Supplies (CIBS).

At the presentation of the uniforms yesterday, Ben Koteka, CIRU development manager, said CIBS has been a backbone supporter of rugby union, especially in the areas of refereeing and development.

“We are grateful and honoured to be associated with CIBS who have also helped us in field marking for national events,” Koteka said.

“We extend a big thank you to CIBS management Arama and Vaine Wichman for considering the kitting of our RDOs who volunteer to support the management of on-field and classroom healthy living activities relating to the Rising Stars event.”

CIBS supports the Rising Stars annual development event that fosters the game of rugby and the spirit of sporting fellowship in local schools. The 2024 edition will kick off next week.

Koteka says rugby is more than just a game, “it helps open up opportunities for our children and promotes discipline, solidarity and humility”.

“Rugby is more than just a game and our programme is now inclusive of the Pa Enua.”

This programme started five years ago through the support of New Zealand Rugby Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade NZ.

“Now it’s in our hands to carry it on. We can all see the wonderful doors it opens up for us, especially for our youth boys and girls, the pathways that we will help to develop for others to flourish,” Koteka said.

Arama Wichman said: “We all have something in common here, we have passion for rugby.”

“Young people are very important to the sport and some have gone overseas to play the sport as a career.”

Wichman is hopeful more sponsors will come on board to help out.

The blessing of uniforms was conducted by the Nikao CICC Reverend Orometua Teava Nanai, who is a former CIRU rugby development officer from 2021 to 2022.