Commiserations about the All Blacks devasting loss to France (27-13) yesterday morning, however, it’s a new day and the Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) first game of the residential Tri Nations 15s match kicks at 4pm at Aretere Park in Avatiu today.

Cook Islands Residents captained by Toru Katuke will be up against Tokouso (Samoa/Tonga), led by Lualua Tua-Trood in the first match today. Fiji is on a bye and will hit the field next week against the Cooks Residents.

After struggling to get players to training earlier in the week, all teams have managed to field teams for the competition.

This tournament was initiated in 2020 during Covid-19, at the time Cook Islands Rugby Union were looking at innovative ways to engage in more exciting internal competition.

Head over to Avatiu and support the three local powerhouse rugby communities on the island.

The Cook Islands Residents players are: Toru Katuke, Tepaki Mani, Davey Mato, Oki Naea, Eric Newbigging, Alistair Newbigging, Timothy Tangirere, Teariki Nicholas, Jason Potoru, Te-Ara Henderson, Ioane Moore, Thomas Daniel, Tama Nicholas, Ryan Daniel, Daniel Toa, Daneil Tonorio, Junior Kirikava, Kana Nga, Apolo Johnson, Nicholas Maui, Taio Taio, Avaiki Ama and Stephen Willis.    

The Tokouso (Tonga/Samoa) 15s squad is as follows: Toto’a Tuaia, Fa’afo’i Lualua, Lualua Tua-Trood, Selafi Tovi’o, Enekupe Lelevaga, Tautua Solomona, Fale Sooialo, Jeffery Magele, Tangi Akava, Viiga Reupena, Samu Alafua, Richard Piakura, Rudi Sifa, Penitito Lio, John Penu, Seta Veni, Likena Vaomotou, Troy Matutu, Isaia Aleni, Lapana Tofilau.