Following the successful hosting of the 9th League Nines in Paradise tournament last weekend, Cook Islands Rugby League has begun receiving interest for the 10th edition next year.

The three-day international tournament held at the National Stadium in Nikao attracted nine men’s teams, five women’s and four in the under-18s category. It also featured the local women’s development teams, Maine Tueporo White and Maine Tueporo Black, participating in exhibition matches.

There were four international teams – Ngati Umutahi and Tokoroa Pacific Sharks in the men’s division and Ngati Umutahi and Raukawa Kuki’s in the women’s competition.

Avatiu Eels won the U18 division after beating Titikaveka Bulldogs 24-10 in the final.

The women’s title went to Ngati Umutahi, who beat an impressive Lady Panthers 16-8 in the final. In the third-place playoff, the 2024 champions Raukawa Kuki’s overcame Vaine Toa 19-18 in a closely contested clash.

In the much-anticipated men’s final, Arorangi Bears outmuscled Tokoroa Pacific Sharks 15-11 while the 2024 champions Avatiu Eels thumped Titikaveka Bulldogs 25-8 to finish in third place.

Cook Islands Rugby League secretary and competition coordinator Francis (Franky) Toa was pleased with the outcome of the event.

However, she acknowledged that there had been challenges along the way. This included adverse weather conditions resulting from the approaching ex-Tropical Cyclone Pita.

“This 9s tournament was certainly challenging to host. I faced a few challenges along the way, the weather being a major factor, the lights playing up being another, and a few technical issues but all of that was overshadowed by the top-quality rugby being played by the teams,” Toa said.

“The energy was electric throughout the tourney and I can’t thank the overseas teams enough for bringing that to us.”

The second day of the Cook Islands Rugby League Nines in Paradise tournament on Friday was cut short due to faulty stadium lights. The remaining three men’s matches from day two was moved to the final day. Only four of the eight lights were working on Friday night. On Thursday, six lights were working.

Despite the setbacks, Toa and her team remained optimistic about a successful ending to the tournament.

“My goal has been to try and improve our standards locally and the only way to do so is to have new competition and I think I’ve achieved that from this tourney. Our teams have no other choice but to improve,” Toa said.

“I’ve already started to receive interest for 2026 from the teams who participated and also from new teams who are interested in participating so 2026 already sounds exciting. We will celebrate 10 years of league 9s so we are hoping to make it extra special at the next one.”

The League Nines in Paradise tournament also serves as the preseason for local teams ahead of the domestic 13s competition.

Awards

Team Awards Nines in Paradise 2025: Men’s Placing – 1^st Arorangi Bears, 2^nd Pacific Sharks Rugby League Club, 3^rd Avatiu Eels Sports Club, 4^th Titikaveka Bulldogs Rugby Club; Women’s Placing – 1^st Ngati-Umutahi, 2^nd Lady Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers, 3^rd Raukawa Ki Waikato Sports, 4^th Vaine Toa; U18 Boys Placing – 1^st Avatiu Eels, 2^nd Titikaveka Bulldogs, 3^rd Takuvaine Warriors, 4^th Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles.

MVP awards: Men’s MVP - James Strickland of Arorangi Bears, Women’s MVP - Tyler Birch of Ngati-Umutahi, U18s MVP - Paul Ngaroi of Avatiu Eels.