Cook Islands Women Debut In Borneo

History will be made when the first ever Cook Islands Women’s Rugby side debuts at the Asia Pacific Women’s Sevens Tournament in Borneo, Malaysia, from the 29^th – 31^st October. 

Located in the heart of the Polynesian triangle the Cook Islands consists of 15 islands scattered over some two million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean.  This tiny pacific island nation has a population of 17,000 people with the majority residing on the largest island of Rarotonga, home to the capital Avarua. 

An invitation to participate in Borneo came about following the late withdrawal of a neighbouring pacific island and the Cooks seized the opportunity 12 weeks ago and underwent a flurry of intense training and preparation under the guidance of national women’s coach,  Nooroa Maui, and highly renown fitness trainer, Keith Roberts.

The Borneo tournament will field eight sides with four top Asian teams – Malaysia, India, Singapore and Kazakhstan matching up to their Pacific sisters from Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands.

Captain of the Cook Islands team Julieanne Westrupp explains “We are so excited and extremely honoured to be able to participate at this tournament and not only make history but also help create a clear pathway for future players who have higher aspirations to represent their country”. 

The Cook Islands will meet Kazakhstan and Tonga in Pool play on Friday 29^th October and is hoping for some good results on debut. 

Photo

L-R – Coach Nooroa Maui, Vice-Captain Edith Nicholas, Mama Henry, Marae Mataroa, Patricia Taea, Captain Julieanne Westrupp, Taromi Urirau, Tai Wichman, Akaiti Purea, Manager John Wichman (& CIRU President)