The rugby season kicked-off with all clubs assembling at the Avatiu rugby field at midday on Saturday for the launch of the CITC pre-season sevens tournament.

The pre-season competition started with a prayer before the under 9 and 11 kids started proceedings with two fields being set up for the kids to play mixed rippa rugby for both boys and girls.

The seven component of the programme commenced at 1.30pm with 24 teams involved, with grades ranging from under 13, under 16, under 19 and the senior A men’s grades.

All six Rarotonga clubs fielded teams in all grades.

The men’s competition was complemented by the women’s 10s City v Country match.

In the under 13 grade, Tupapa look to be leaders in this grade with an impressive first-up 39-0 win against Ngatangiia (although this was Ngatangiia’s second game of the day).

Tupapa was led by strong-running Othneil ‘Jonah Lomu’ Joseph.

In the under 16 grade, the match between Avatiu and the Arorangi Cowboys was intense.

Against the run of play the Cowboys scored a long distance try late in the second half through flying winger James Pureau the Cowboys winning this match 7-5.

The future of Tupapa rugby looks bright with their under 19 team demolishing Ngatangiia 34-0.

Tupapa was lead by Pacific Mini Games sevens rep 17-year-old Tatuava Tatuava and CISA students Turoa Kamana and Eric Newbigging proving too strong for the east-enders.

Avatiu look like the team to beat in senior A grade although both Avatiu’s wins at the weekend were hard-fought matches against Titikaveka 15-7 and the Arorangi Cowboys 14-12.

Avatiu’s combination of experienced sevens players and the ‘X’ factor put them in good stead as they now progress to the semi’s to be played in week three.

Avatiu Snr A overcame a strong Arorangi Cowboys side led by Turori Matutu.

In the second half and against the run of play Avatiu scored a late converted try through busy forward Clive Nicholas - Avatiu winning this match by 14-12.

The women’s 10s match between the Country and City was one of the highlight’s of the weekend, complete with big-runs and big-hits, the handling of the wet rugby ball in greasy conditions was exceptional.

For the City team their tries were scored by Vania Robati and Tangata Samania.

The lone Country try was scored by local sprinter Patricia Taea but it wasn’t enough as the City girls won the match 10-5.

The second week of competition will be held this Saturday at Tupapa starting at 12.30pm.

Be reading your CI News for this weekend’s draw.

Thank you to our major sponsor CITC and also supporting sponsors Budget Rental & Polynesian Bike Hire, Origin Energy, FBI Fish Shop and Turtles Tee’s.

CITC pre-season sevens results (week 1): Under 13-Avatiu 14 vs Titikaveka7, Under 13-Nga/Mat 7 vs Takuvaine 7, Under 16-Avatiu 36 vs Titikavek 7 Under 16-Nga/Mat 12 vs 12 Takuvaine Under 19-Avatiu 20 vs Titikaveka7 Under 19-Nga/Mat 28 vs Takuvaine 0 Snr A-Avatiu 15 vs Titikaveka 7 Snr A-Nga/Mat 17 Takuvaine 0 Under 13-Nga/Mat 0 vs Tupapa 39 Under 16-Avatiu 5 vs Arorangi 7 Women-City 10 vs Country 5 Under 19-Nga/Mat 0 vs Tupapa 34 Snr A-Avatiu 14 vs Arorangi 12