A squad of 15 under-18 girls and three game changers will represent the Cook Islands on a trip to Auckland for a world-class rugby development camp from October 5 to 9.

This is part of a collaborative pilot programme for the women’s pathway at national U18 level in partnership with New Zealand Rugby and its Oceania Rugby union federations.

A four-day camp has been organised for development squads from the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, where they will also have the opportunity to witness the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.

The team from Rarotonga will be exposed to top level learning experiences involving high-performance coaching and support for players to develop their skills, technically, tactically, mentally, and physically in the game of rugby. They will also play some matches against the other Pacific Island teams to support the development programme.

On Wednesday, the head coach and management staff with the support of the Cook Islands Rugby Union finalised its 15-member squad that will travel to New Zealand on Tuesday, October 4. This team will be met in Auckland by its NZ based squad members to make up a full-fledged rugby 15s team.

Leading the team will be head coach Harriet Tuara assisted by Stephanie Nooroa. They will be supported by team manager, Peggy Matapo and World Rugby ambassador Margarette Nena.

Working collaboratively with coach mentor Wallace Aroita and co-coaches William Heather and Raymond Pirangi, the team worked tirelessly to bring the players up to speed with the game.

Tuara said: The support given by our male peers has been insurmountable. I’d like to acknowledge Wallace, Willie and Ray highly for the mentorship, guidance, wisdom and leadership they provided the team, both players and myself along with Steph. They have been a major component of our development and a huge credit to supporting women and girls in rugby for our country. Thank you guys!” 

“The girls have worked really hard for this campaign and have sacrificed so much of their time in preparing for the trip. It hasn’t been an easy road for them especially when the Rugby World Cup 2021 was postponed due to Covid-19. This pushed the timeframe even further, but they persevered and were patient up to this day. I take my hat off to them for trusting the process. And it makes me happy to see that they finally reap the rewards of their hard work and dedication.”

The team will be residing at the Bruce Pulman Park Campus in Takanini, Auckland for the duration of the trip. Parents are being invited to a meeting this Sunday, September 18 at the CISNOC Office in Nikao from 3pm.

Cook Islands Under 18 Women’s Rugby Development Squad – Randi Marsters, Pekarau Mataio, Teau Maui, Akenanua Mo’o, Turia Mo’o, Anna Nooroa,  Mahana Sijp,  Tamira Metuangaro,  Makirau Tobia,  Tariana Tetauru, Moana Kiriau, Yannicka Tinirau,  Danni Tixier, Tara Williams, Maya Mokoroa, Team Manager - Peggy Matapo, Head Coach- Harriet Tuara, Assistant Coach- Stephanie Nooroa.