Sevens mission

The Cook Islands national rugby sevens team kick started its Oceania Sevens Tournament campaign in Sydney with three pool matches yesterday.

The Cooks played Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tahiti. The results will determine the draw for day two of the tournament today (CIT).

The aim for all the teams at the Sydney tournament is to qualify for the 2013 Rugby Sevens World Cup in Russia as well as the 2012-2013 IRB sevens circuit to be hosted by Gold Coast, Wellington and Hong Kong.

The Cooks 12-man team includes three local players in Kairan Mahia of the Tupapa Panthers along with Sailosi Nagi and debutant Thomas Toa both of the Ngatangiia-Matavera Dragons club.

The full squad includes – Ashley Drake (Horowhenua), Kairan Mahia (Tupapa Panthers), Vaine Thomas Toa (Nga/Mat Dragons), Sailosi Nagi (Nga/Mat Dragons), Dexter Moroney (Auckland), Junior Napara (Auckland), Koiatu Koiatu (Perth), Justin Marsters (Melbourne), Charles Teraitua (Auckland), Sean Fletcher (Auckland), Tiakina Manga (Horowhenua), Michael Rubick (Auckland).

The team is coached by Ramsey Tomokino assisted by team manager Chad Tuoro, physio Evan Clayton and trainer Morna Pulevaka.

For messages of support please email team manager Chad Tuoro on ctuoro@hotmail.com or call 00614 992 94 757.