Rugby heads inspect BCI Stadium and TSA

The spotlight was on the BCI Stadium and Telecom Sports Arena yesterday when Federations of Oceania Rugby Union (FORU) delegates visited the two sporting arenas – the base for the Cook Islands Rugby Union high performance programme and unit.

Cook Islands Rugby Union president Chris McKinley proudly showed off the two sporting arenas describing the hype and fun at the stadium when the annual International Sevens in Heaven tournament is run.

It was also an opportunity for the local rugby union to display the equipment presented to them as part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup legacy programme.

The stadium goal posts were dressed in official 2011 Rugby World Cup pads plus side line markers for the visit by the FORU delegates.

Developing rugby 15 and running a high performance unit are the two key focus of the CIRU which was highlighted in its report at the FORU meeting.

Rugby Union heads from across the Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and representatives from the International Rugby Board (IRB) are on the island for the FORU annual general meeting which wraps up with its annual general meeting today.

Yesterday delegates were presented with the FORU treasurers report, 2011 financial report as well as updates on the 2012 rugby tournaments for the region plus discussions on the 2013-2014 competition structure and 2012-2015 strategic plan.

Pacific Games eligibility and the rugby competition for the 2013 and 2015 Pacific Mini Games and Pacific Games were also discussed yesterday with the day concluding with discussions on the 2013 Trust Grant process and the Asia Pacific Sevens concept.

Today delegates will gather for the FORU annual general meeting which will include the presentation of various reports plus the appointment of FORU auditors, elections of FORU officers and plans for the next FORU meeting next year.