Twelve teams will compete in the two-day Rarotonga 7s Competition that kicks off on Friday and New Zealand referees are hoping for a fast-flow free game that will be entertaining for the home crowd.

Referee officials from New Zealand Paul van Etten and Allen Keyte will be amongst the local referee management on Friday and Saturday looking forward to some exciting 7’s matches.

Allen Keyte says he had been lucky enough to be in Rarotonga and be part of the tournament for the last eight years.

Keyte has had about 14 years of experience refereeing overall in Auckland with Paul van Etten.

“Sevens is such an awesome game,” he said.

In terms of local refereeing, he said they could bring the knowledge that they are fortunate enough to learn from a much wider aspect in New Zealand and bring some of that technical knowledge to Rarotonga to help them.

He said that as a referee one has to make quick decisions and keep the game entertaining for everyone.

“And, you know, that's what everyone in the stands wants, right? They want a fast-flowing, free game that's just entertaining.”

Etten who has been part of the Rarotonga Rugby 7s for over 15 years said: “I've seen it go through its real highs, then in troughs, and now it's growing again, which is really pleasing to see with the great numbers of teams getting involved this year.

“And the growth of the local game and local volunteers, match officials, everyone who works behind the scenes just making it happen, it's awesome.”

Etten said he is from Auckland Rugby Referees and has been a referee for over 25 years.

“Rugby is great rugby. The friendships you make on and off the field with people and really want to acknowledge Cook Island Rugby Union for having us back and thank them and their sponsors for supporting the game that we love.”

Cook Islands Rugby Development manager Ben Koteka says he is grateful to have Etten and Keyte’s help and support.

“The success of the tournament is built on those types of relationships.”

Koteka said the theme for this year’s competition is, ‘For the love of the game.’

“I guess if you love something, you will fight to protect it. We see Rugby 7s as being an opportunity to inspire, as well as to unify our communities.