Club rugby kicks off this week

A full on season of club rugby, age grade rugby and special ‘rugby celebration’ events is in store for local rugby fans starting this Friday and Saturday.

The 2012 season will kick off on Friday and run for 10 rounds before crunch time in early September when the semi and finals are scheduled.

The first round of games this Friday and Saturday will be played at Titikaveka where the Bulls will host the Eels, at Arorangi where the Cowboys will host the Dragons and at Tupapa where the Panthers will host the Takuvaine Reds.

July 4 will see the start of the mid week Under 16 Powerade Challenge where Arorangi will defend the shield as the current holder.

Mini rugby players across all Rarotonga schools will get their turn in the spotlight when they take to the field on July 18 for the CINews Rarotonga Primary Schools Rippa Rugby tournament for boys and girls.

Described as the first celebration of rugby, this will be at the start of August during the Cook Islands Games and Te Maeva Nui celebrations.

Club sevens will start after the 15s season ahead of the second celebration of rugby during the International Sevens in Heaven Tournament scheduled to run from November 1 to 3.

Heading into the start of the season this weekend – fans can expect exciting age grade rugby matches after clubs took part in the CITC tens tournament over the last two weekends ending with the finals on Saturday.

The senior teams will no doubt take the same amount of time to dust off the cobwebs so head to your club grounds and cheer your boys on this weekend.