The newly appointed Cook Islands rugby 7s head coach Clive Nicholas has selected his training squad for the 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s Championship to eb held in December.

The 20-member training squad were selected following the Cook Islands Games 7s tournament a week ago.

Nicholas coached the Rarotonga side to gold medal in the highly competitive men’s division.

According to Nicholas, the training squad is a good mix of players with experience, exceptional talent and hard work, while at the same time developing players who will grow and be formidable in the very near future under his guidance and training. 

“Players in the wider squad must consider themselves as vital squad members and the ‘Next Man Up’ mentality must be at the forefront of their preparation and squad involvement,” he said.

“Anything could happen over the next few weeks including injuries and sudden unavailability, so these players must be on the ready to slot straight in.”

Nicholas said although there were a large number of players that made themselves available for selection this year, there were also several very good players that were unfortunately unavailable due to personal issues or family and work commitments.

The extended squad will be training every Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 5.30pm and all players must attend all training sessions and be prepared with a positive attitude to contribute to the team ethos of working hard and being selfless and accountable.

Nicholas has also put in place plans to involve the squad in helping prepare teams that will be competing at the upcoming Raro 7s. This will involve playing warm up games with these teams. 

The national squad will not participate at this year’s Raro 7s due to the Oceania 7s schedules, the national squad travel dates and the lack of preparation time for available cover should injuries arise.

Cook Islands 7s

The training squad named are: Forwards- Robert Heather, Alistair Newbigging, Aiden Kapi, Tua Ravula. Halves- Brian Akava, Caleb Chase, Taio Taio. Backs- Tevita Yamaraki, Nathan Nabou and Taua Heather, New Zealand.

Wider Squad: Henry Mataio, Tamatoa Nicholas, Josh Motu, Nia Remuera, Ryan Daniels, Basito Teioa, Ioane Moore, Heath Heather New Zealand, Habasoloma Tamarua New Zealand and Tangi Akava.