RAROTONGA, 21 OCTOBER 2020 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS) – Cook Islands Rugby Union will host a Tri Series between Cook Islands, Samoa and Fiji, starting mid of next month.
The top players from these countries residing in Rarotonga will be battling each other in the three-match series to be played weekly.
Simiona Teiotu, the president of Cook Islands Rugby Union, said the Tri Series idea was mooted by Arorangi Rugby Union.
The series will be held at Raemaru Park in Arorangi.
“This is their (Arorangi Rugby Union) plan and they wanted to host this but have come on board to run the event,” Teiotu said.
“It will be round robin competition and the team with most points after playing two matches each, will win the prize.”
Cook Islands Rugby Union is hoping the Tri Series would bring in interest from the local and foreign communities, especially Fiji and Samoa, who are working on the island.
Teiotu also hopes the battle between the three teams bring out the best from the players and ultimately improve the standard of rugby in the country.
“We are very excited with this format. We are hoping to start the series by mid of November but we need to revisit the date and finalise other details.”
Teiotu also said the proposed Raro Sevens which will replace the Raro International Sevens this year is likely to be held in December. Raro Sevens (men’s and women’s) is scheduled for November 6 and 7.
“Some of the clubs have come and asked me if they can get some break after the Cook Islands Games. They are knackered after two weeks of competition and their players are also carrying injuries. We will be meeting soon to decide on Raro Sevens.”
Meanwhile Pukapuka and Atiu won the gold medals in the Cook Islands Games men’s and women’s sevens competition.
In the men’s final, Pukapuka defeated favourites Aitutaki 17-12. Both teams were locked at 12-all at the fulltime and extra time had to be played with Tua Ravula scoring the “golden try” to give Pukapuka the win.
In the men’s bronze final, Atiu defeated Rakahanga 26-22.
In the women’s final, a last-minute try from Demzel Rongokea saw Atiu beat the pre-match favourites Aitutaki by 15-14. This was a tight match with Aitutaki leading at halftime by 7-5.
Overall winners Mauke claimed bronze after beating Mitiaro 7-5.
In the U17 men’s final, Atiu bashed Mauke 21-0 to win gold and in the bronze medal match, Pukapuka defeated Palmerston 26-22.
