Our history

First internationalRugby league reached the Cook Islands in the early 1980s. The first Test was a 22-8 win over Niue in Rarotonga.

Emerging Nations championsCaptained by Craig Bowen, the Cook Islands won the Emerging Nations World Cup in England.

First World CupAitu qualified for the Rugby League World Cup for the first time.

Back on the world stageAitu returned for a second men's World Cup and beat Wales 28-24.

Moana World Cup debutThe women's team made their first World Cup appearance.

RLWC2021, men and womenBoth teams played the delayed 2021 World Cup in England. Aitu beat Wales 18-12.

Pacific Games goldThe Moana won gold in the women's 9s at the Pacific Games in Honiara.

Pacific Bowl and qualificationThe Moana won the Pacific Bowl, the first trophy for a Cook Islands team in elite international sport. Aitu beat South Africa 58-6 to take the last RLWC26 place.

World CupAitu face Fiji, New Zealand and Australia in Group A.