The Vaine Moana are the Cook Islands national women’s rugby league team. They represent the Cook Islands in Test matches, Pacific Championships and World Cup qualifying, and are one of the fastest-growing parts of the game in the islands.
World Cup record
The Moana played their first World Cup in 2017 and returned for the 2021 tournament in England. They did not qualify for 2026 after a loss to Fiji in the 2024 Pacific qualifier, and are now focused on the stand-alone Women’s Rugby League World Cup in 2028.
Pacific Bowl champions 2025
In October 2025 the Moana beat the PNG Orchids 34-6 in Port Moresby, ending a three-year winless run. A week later they came from 10-0 down to beat Tonga 42-24 and win the Pacific Bowl. It was their first time winning back-to-back Tests, and the first trophy for a Cook Islands team in an elite international competition.
Pacific Games gold
At the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, the Moana won gold in the women’s rugby league 9s.
Latest result
On 10 October 2026 the Moana played Tonga at St Marys Stadium, Sydney, in a stand-alone international. They led 20-10 at half-time but lost 36-24, with doubles to Ava Glassie and Anastasia Sekene. Read the match report.
Coaches
Ron Griffiths, who coached the Newcastle Knights to back-to-back NRLW premierships, led the Moana to the 2025 Pacific Bowl. Shar Atai coached the team against Tonga in 2026.
Follow the Moana
Fixtures, results and both recent team lists are on the Vaine Moana page. Players with Cook Islands heritage who are interested in the pathway can contact Cook Islands Rugby League.
