CI rugby talent gears up

Expect to see the Cook Islands flair in the upcoming New Zealand ITM Cup and Heartland rugby competition, which kicks off on August 23.

New Zealand-based Cook Islands players are gearing up to represent their provincial clubs.

Ex-All Black Rene Ranger will run out for the Northland ITM team while prop Alex Woonton is set to take the field for the North Harbour team.

Chay Raui, Teddy Stanaway, and Mike Rubick are in the Auckland B team while Ashley Drake and Adam Vardey will step out for Horowhenua.

Johnny Leota will play in the midfield for Manawatu while Tim Bateman and Sharn Eru look set to play for Wellington, although lock and loosie Eru could be loaned to the Horowhenua club.

Arorangi hooker Francis Smith continues to make his mark with the Tasman Makos and speedster Nathan Robinson will don the South Canterbury colours along with Phil Gibson.

Ioane Ioane, Ben Enoka and Patella Tou are waiting to be named in their respective regions’ B grade teams.