THE traditional beginning of the global Nines season in Cook Islands is hotting up again this weekend with the Rarotonga tour stop.
The men’s and women’s teams of the Pacific nation will gather at Avarua Tereora Stadium for the first Nines event of 2024.
The men’s defending champions are Avatui while Tupapa are the women’s champions.
Cook Islands Rugby League president Charles Carlson told the Cook Islands News: “This is good for our women’s development here in the Cook Islands. We do have a lot of interest from overseas teams but will schedule that for 2025 to give CIRL and teams to prepare well for the event.
“No doubt the defending Avatiu-Nikao Eels is the team to beat, especially with a number of their players still buzzing from the Pacific Games winning bronze along with coach Clive Nicholas.
“No doubt the Lady Panthers will also be defending their title with three of the players gold medallist at the Pacific Games.
“The Bears will be hoping to a good start to the season 2024 after winning both the men and women the National Championships 2023 for the first time after 20 years.”
All matches are expected to be streamed on YouTube.
