Cook Islands Touch Association has stepped up their preparation for the 2023 Pacific Games by naming their national teams’ coaches.

Former national reps Geoff Halston and Julz Westrupp have been named the Cook Islands Touch men’s and women’s coach, respectively, for the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands later in the year.

The association is yet to finalise the men’s team manager while Tashi Tutai has been named the women’s team manager.

Halston in a post on Facebook said he was humbled by the appointment.

“I have an exciting vision for the impact this team, and I, can achieve together.  I am humbled and privileged to serve our nation on this next campaign,” he said.

“Looking for small improvements each step of our way, growing our leadership capacity, and becoming the best team and individuals we can be.”

Meanwhile the last game of the Cook Islands Touch weekly mixed competition will be played today.

“Team GAT are definitely sitting at the top of the table whilst the rest of the teams are fighting it out for the other three spots,” Touch president Westrupp said. “These games should not be missed.”

Westrupp said in the last round of the open’s category on Monday “we had a big surprise in the ladies division with Bounty Hunters taking out 1^st spot”.

It was a nail-biting game against Nukz Power but Bounty proved too strong, winning 3-2. Nikz defeated FBI in the other game.

In the men’s division, Nukz Power surprisingly beat J Squad 6-4 and Team GAT overcame Atiu Warriors 6-4. The open grade playoffs will be held next week.

Fixtures

5pm Field 1 Outlaws-007, Field 2 Nukz Power-KAPs; 5.30pm Field 1 Young Warriors-Mighty Arrows.