Arorangi Bears rugby team will put on an exciting rugby match against the host side and defending champions of the Rarotonga Club 15s Competition Avatiu Nikao Eels today, while Lady Panthers takes on TKV Reds in the Women’s 10s Competition.

However, the Eels are out to defend their title this year.
Coach Clive Nicholas says they are starting all over again as part of their leadership have moved overseas.
"So we in a building stage now if I have to be honest...but all in all yes we have to do what we can to defend our trophy, we won last year."
Nicholas said they  have had a good buildup this week and in the last week despite losing seven players from last year.
"As mentioned earlier some new faces have come into the fold which is positive for us," Nicholas added.
Arorangi Bears Tavake Karika said: “Reflecting on this week's Cook Islands Rugby Union season kick-off we the Arorangi Club will definitely show up to put on an exciting rugby with our host.”
Karika said they believe a couple of young players can step up and have a taste of Senior A grade games, especially those that are capable of fitting in those shoes.
This would be an opportunity to showcase what they have, Karika said.
He said so far training has been good sometimes, in terms of preparation, they have different players coming on different training nights and more were still to turn up.
He said this was also a challenge as different players were turning up to training on a number of occasions.
The Bears players to look out for include Totoa Auvaa, Robert Heather and Nick Maui in the forwards, backed by the young talented Taio Taio supported by veteran Steven Willis and Douglas Oyoo.
Meanwhile, in the Women’s 10’s competition, Lady Panthers are looking forward to today’s match against Takuvaine Reds despite losing some players to other clubs and the Pacific Games.
Team manager Julieanne Westrupp also said training has been tough as ladies are exhausted from the league season. 
“We have also lost some players to other clubs and at the moment Pacific Games seems to be a priority for a lot of players as well which some of our challenges are - short in numbers.
“The team is definitely looking forward to playing again regardless as not all players are aiming towards the Pacific Games therefore this is their moment of playing. 
“It’s also nice to be following the men who we look up to in terms of rugby contact etc.”
The starting line-up for Lady Panthers include: Rima Browne, Kiana Sword Tua,, Jamie Gotty, June Willie, Vaine Lisa Aroita, April Tini, Mia Nga  and Bianca Herman. 
Lady Panthers are still looking for players and therefore welcome anyone that is keen to contact 55055.
Lady Panthers coaches are Koa Kopu and Ed Exham Teraitua.
Meanwhile, the Titikaveka Bull and Tupapa Panthers match on Thursday, saw the Panthers leading 29-7 at half time. Despite the heavy rain, both teams held on but the Panthers won the match 41-7.
Cook Islands Rugby Union’s Ben Koteka said the Titikaveka team performed well. He said it was also good to see the Panthers have a lot of young boys showing that they are looking at development.

Game 1 draw:

Today: 4:30pm Men – Avatiu Nikao Eels vs Arorangi Bears at Aretere Park, Avatiu.

12:20pm U13 Girls – all clubs- at Aretere Park, Avatiu.

12.30pm U10 Boys, U12 Boys

3pm: Women’s 10’s Avatiu Eels vs Arorangi Bears

3.30pm Takuvaine Reds vs Tupapa Panthers