Cook Islands Rugby Union AU

FROM ARAURA TO GLOBAL YOUTH STAGE Also captured just before departure were Under 18 men’s players Michael Messine and Alistair Maao, who form part of the trio completing the Cook Islands Rugby Union NSW squad for the Global Youth 7s. Both hailing from Aitutaki, this campaign marks the first time they will pull on the jersey to represent the nation — an honour made even more significant given the limited opportunities available to young athletes from the Pa Enua. Global Youth Sevens

🌍🏉 What a Tournament for Our Global Youth 7’s Team 🏉🌍
Family and friends, what an incredible tournament our Global Youth 7’s team has had.
The representation of Cook Islands Rugby Union New South Wales on the global stage has been outstanding. To stand proudly as Pacifica people and Cook Islands people at the Global Youth 7’s tournament is something truly special.
Our boys were exceptional, winning 4 out of 6 games. They fought hard, played with heart, and showed immense pride every time they stepped onto the field. We are so proud of the effort, commitment, and passion they put in throughout the tournament.
We would also like to give a huge thank you to our New Zealand boys who came and joined us. Your gameplay was outstanding, and we were so grateful to have you represent Cook Islands Rugby Union New South Wales alongside us.
We also want to thank our Cook Islands boys who travelled and represented. We are incredibly proud to have players come from our homeland to join the team and be part of such an amazing group. The unity, brotherhood, and effort shown by all players was something truly special.
This is something we absolutely look to build on and repeat in the years ahead.
A massive thank you to our community and sponsors for your ongoing support. None of this would have been possible without you. We couldn’t be prouder of the efforts from every single player. Some outstanding tries were scored, and the future of our rugby is incredibly bright.
Watch this space — our future rugby stars are just getting started 🌟🏉

Kia Orana tātou katoatoa i roto i te aroa nui o te Atua.
E reo aroa, e reo tūoro, e reo akamaroiroi with grateful hearts, we come together as we close out this truly incredible year.
As we reach the end of 2025, we wish a Merry Christmas to all our families, our wider community, and all our tamariki. It has been an amazing year, and we now look forward with hope and excitement as we step into 2026.
Kua riro te mataiti 2025 ei mataiti maata rava no tātou.
E iva pupu i tomo ki roto i te Pacifica Cup, e kua tae atu ta tātou au U18 ki te Global Youth 7’s. Te pumaana nei te ngakau te kite i te tupuanga e te maroiroi o to tātou anau tamariki i te tue poro.
We would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who supported us on this journey. To our sponsors, families, volunteers, supporters, and community — thank you for helping get our teams to the Pacifica Cup 2025 and supporting our U18s as they travelled to compete at the Global Youth 7’s tournament. Without your unwavering support, commitment, and belief in our tamariki, none of this would have been possible. Every game played, every opportunity earned, and every memory created was made possible because of you.
We have shown the world that Cook Islands Rugby New South Wales is truly a force to be reckoned with. We have proven that we can compete not only on the local stage here in Sydney, but also on the global stage, and for that I am incredibly proud.
E akameitakianga maata ki te kumiti, no ta kotou angaanga manako/mutunga kore, tei akatupu i te turanga māroiroi e tū nei tātou i teianei rā.
As we celebrate Christmas, may your homes be filled with laughter, aroa, and togetherness. May the new year bring blessings, good health, and continued success to every family.
Kia ora, kia maroiroi, e kia akaperepere tātou tetai ki tetai. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2026.
Te Atua te Aroa e Kia Manuia
Brian
President, CIRUNSW

With the BUMP 👊 Future Stars. Global Stage. 🎥 Watch Global Youth Sevens LIVE on GY7+ - link in bio

Day One | Global Youth 7’s 🇨🇰🇦🇺
Friday kicked off with a tough start for Cook Islands Rugby Union NSW, coming up against a strong USA side in our opening match. The boys showed grit and resilience before bouncing back against the New Zealand Irish Barbarians and taking away a well-earned win 💪🏽🔥
It was a big day of rugby, effort and growth. The boys worked hard, backed each other and continued to build as a team.
We wrapped up the day the best way possible — team bonding, plenty of laughs, a trip to Mission Bay and a big feed to refuel 🍔🌊
Proud of the effort, the attitude and the togetherness shown on Day One. On to Day Two 👊🏽