The 34th Raro Rugby 7s International Tournament will feature only five teams in the much-anticipated men’s competition.

Titikaveka will field two teams in this year’s tournament to be held on Friday and Saturday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

The Bulls and Bulldogs will take on defending champions Tupapa Panthers, Avatiu Nikao Eels and Manatoa made up of Cook Islands 7s squad members preparing for the upcoming Pacific Games.

Titikaveka’s Tereapii Tumutoa says the club has been missing for a while in the Sevens arena.

“We are looking at a comeback into the rugby 7s arena and all we can ask from our team is to have fun, learn from the best, and give it your all.”

Tumutoa said they have a very young team that will be guided by the experience of Tave Tereapii and veteran Papa Eli. The team will be coached by Papa Joe.

“The players started coming together this week, most were participating in the Tri-Series. We are looking forward to bringing the boys together, there have been a lot of interest from our young and senior players."

Tumutoa said they will be missing some of their key players who are set to represent the Cook Islands team at the upcoming international tournaments.

While the Rarotonga-based national 7s players will feature for Manatoa in the Raro 7s tournament this weekend, as part of their build-up to the Oceania 7s and the Pacific Games, the league 9s players will be rested.

Timothy Tangirere, Mark Solomona Tuaati, and Te-Ara Henderson are among the players selected for the Cook Islands 7s and 9s teams.

The tournament kicks off tomorrow with the Bulldogs facing the Panthers at 4.18pm. The Bulldogs will later take on their second team Bulls at 5.48pm. The Bulls will play Manatoa at 7pm in their final match on day one.

Tumutoa is calling on all Titikaveka supporters to join them during this weekend’s tournament.

“Me e ivi, toto Titikaveka koe aere mai turuturu to Tatou vaka kia tere ki mua.”