Rugby Union
'Over the moon,' says Pakoti
Thursday 28 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
Speaking with clear honesty, James Pakoti admits that he was aiming for the stars, but holds no regrets about landing “on the moon”.
Up against the odds
Wednesday 27 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
The Cook Islands national rugby side is bracing for a tough challenge against the much-favoured Hong Kong in the Rugby World Cup qualifier this Saturday at 3pm at the BCI Stadium in Nikao.
Barbarians after upset at U13 rugby
Wednesday 27 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
The Barbarians will be hoping to create an upset in the Bluesky U13 Rarotonga Primary Schools Rugby 10s Tournament at Arorangi Field today.
Seven locals in national squad
Tuesday 26 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
Seven local players have been included in the initial 27-member Cook Islands national rugby squad for the Rugby World Cup qualifying series against Hong Kong, starting this Saturday at the BCI Stadium.
Playing for pride and country
Saturday 23 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
Pride for the nation and passion for the sport will be among the things national rugby coach Stan Wright will be on the lookout for when he selects his final squad for the Rugby World Cup Qualifiers this afternoon.
Avarua makes winning start
Friday 22 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
Defending champion Avarua School made a good start to the Bluesky U13 Rarotonga Rugby 10s Tournament at Raemaru Park on Wednesday.
Scholarship up for grabs
Friday 22 June 2018 | Published in Rugby Union
Two New Zealand high schools are looking for potential rugby players for the upcoming season.
Rugby team calls for support
Thursday 21 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
Cook Islands head coach Stan Wright is calling on Cook Islanders to get behind the national rugby team as they eye a historic qualification to the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.
U13s to tussle in rugby 10s
Wednesday 20 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
The Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) will host its annual Bluesky U13 Rugby 10s Tournament at the Arorangi Rugby Field from 3pm today.
Best brains behind rugby team
Wednesday 20 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
Some of rugby’s best brains are part of the Cook Islands management team that is preparing the national side for the Rugby World Cup qualifier against Hong Kong later this month.
Matapakia proud to wear green jersey
Monday 18 June 2018 | Published in Rugby Union
Local player Matamanea Matapakia is one of the frontrunners for a place in the Cook Islands team for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers against Hong Kong later this month. In a special Q&A session with Cook Islands Rugby Union, the Atiu player discusses his passion for the game and his chances of making the team.
RWC hopes still have life
Thursday 14 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
Hong Kong had double cause to celebrate on Saturday after their 39-5 victory over Korea not only gave them a first-ever Asia Rugby Championship title, but also kept their hopes of qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2019 alive.
'Samoan bull' holidays in the Cooks
Wednesday 13 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
Former Manu Samoa captain Census Iopu Johnston is in the country for a well-deserved break from the French Top 14 rugby competition.
Out to make it Wright
Thursday 7 June 2018 | Published in Rugby Union
Cook Islands rugby coach Stanley Wright has some unfinished business with the national side.
Wright reveals extended squad
Wednesday 6 June 2018 | Published in Rugby Union
Four overseas-based players will compete with a dozen locals for a spot in the Cook Islands rugby squad to play two World Cup play-off matches against Hong Kong.
HK look to seal game against Cook Islands
Saturday 2 June 2018 | Published in Rugby Union
Hong Kong’s national rugby team is playing Korea this week in what will be the final game of the 2019 Asia Rugby Championship.
Sam an exciting prospect for rugby
Friday 25 May 2018 | Published in Rugby Union
Sam Anderson-Heather or “Simmo”, son of Henry Heather and Hayley Anderson and grandson of Heather Heather, is an exciting prospect for the Cook Islands Rugby World Cup qualifier squad.
Kukis part of rugby history
Thursday 24 May 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
Two Cook Islanders are part of the history-making New Zealand female rugby players who have become the first-ever 15s players to be offered Black Ferns contracts.
Former Tauae Bull now All Black
Tuesday 22 May 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
Former Tauae Bulls player Jordan Taufua is one of three new players named in the 33-man All Blacks squad for the three-test series to be played against France in New Zealand next month.
Wright's passion for the oval ball
Monday 21 May 2018 | Published in Rugby Union
Former national player Stan Wright has been reinstated as the national head coach of the Cook Islands rugby team ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2019 qualifying series, which starts at the end of next month.
