Bulls and Eels kick off rugby season

The Titikaveka Bulls and Avatiu Eels under 16 grades will kick off the 2012 rugby union season with their clash at the Titikaveka field today.

This game is being played today out of respect for the Seventh Day Adventists players in the Titikaveka Bulls team.

The team will play all their games this afternoon and with all six clubs on Rarotonga fielding under 16 grades – the future of rugby in the Cooks looks bright.

Titikaveka Bulls players to watch are the team’s creative back three – fullback Matt Sheddon, wingers Tauraki Hosea and Weremu Temata.

Also watch out for hard-working prop Jason Uka.

The Titikaveka under 16 teams includes – Wiremu Temata, Dezharn Henry, Sam Tatuava, Jonah Matapo, Teare Ama, Teariki Matenga, Aratoa Mana, Engara Maoate, Puna Tamarua, Paku Uini, Harmon Royal, Aaron Pokino, Jedrek Engu, Edward Katu, Josia Mataio, Matt Sheddon, Jason Uka, Teava Iro Jnr, Etuini Vakalalabure, Mias Poukura, Tauriki Hosea, Tony Fukufoka and Henry Hosea.

Avatiu will be a formidable force today and players to look out for in the slippery Eels pack are speedsters Christian Toa, big twin props Papa Joe Tetauru and Teao Katuke, utility back Brayden Kavana and busy loose forward Nicky Henry.

Remaining club rugby games will be played out apopo where the Bulls will host the Eels in Titikaveka, the Arorangi Cowboys host the Ngatangiia Dragons and the Panthers host the Takuvaine Reds.

The Senior A game between the Panthers and Reds will be the first week of rugby’s main match – so get your club colours on and get out and support your team.

Full draw on page 11.