NZ tour for U19 talent

Cook Islands under 19 rugby players will have their heads in their text books at the end of the year instead of taking part in the Under 19 Rugby World Cup qualifier.

Cook Islands Rugby Union president Chris McKinley says that they have withdrawn the Cook Islands from the end of year competition as they felt that it was crucial for the young men to concentrate on their studies for exams that coincide with the qualifying event.

However, the group of around 15 under 19 boys tirelessly training over the past four months won’t be for nothing as a tour to New Zealand is now in the pipeline for them.

McKinley says that as the young men had put in so much effort during weekly trainings, the Auckland tour in October is seen as reward for the players and part of the union’s vision of giving talented young Cook Islands rugby players more exposure in the sport.

The group of 15 locally based players will join 10 New Zealand based players, of whom most are home grown players attending school in New Zealand, to form the Cook Islands national under 19 rugby squad.

In New Zealand, McKinley says they are planning to have a number of games against some of the city’s top age grade teams including a combined Auckland under 19 side.

”The bottom line really is exposure for these guys,“ says McKinley.

”This will be a time for them to shine,“ adds McKinley who says there will be scouts at the New Zealand games and scholarships on offer for local players.

McKinley adds that another exciting prospect of the tour will be hands on tuition by All Blacks, which is sure to inspire talented Cook Islands rugby players to aspire for more in the game.

The local under 19 players also have the opportunity to impress selectors of the national rugby sevens team who have qualified for the Hong Kong leg of the HSBC rugby sevens series. This presents some exciting prospects including the chance to qualify for the full rugby sevens world circuit and gives Cook Islands rugby players even more opportunity to shine on the world stage.