The crowd goes wild!

Our three-day Rarotonga international sevens tournament was a fabulous occasion with good weather (at least for those watching – might have been a bit hot for the players), high-class rugby and plenty of entertainment both on and off the field. ‘Dash for cash’ races and goal-kicking competitions gave spectators the chance to win prizes and on the final day, a Saturday, many in the crowd dressed up and had a ball. There were more prizes for best team supporters (Vikings walked away with that), best dressed groups and best hats.
We even had a streaker (sort of).
Food, drink, entertainment and great rugby played in a sporting spirit; Sevens in Heaven was a huge success.

Sensational men's sevens in Rarotonga

The sixteen men’s teams taking part in the Cook Islands Sevens in Heaven tournament included four entirely from overseas: Porirua Magic, Melbourne Valley Reds, College Rifles and Hastings Rugby and Sports. But the eight local teams also had plenty of top notch overseas players including Rene Ranger, a recent All Black.
The on-field action over the three days was hard, fast and classy.
In the end College Rifles won the cup to make it a double after their women’s team also won the cup to become this year’s sevens champions. In the final Rifles beat local team Avatiu Eels.
Titikaveka Rehab Razorbacks beat the Tauae Bulls to take the plate; Ngatangiia Flying Dragons defeated Hastings Rugby and Sport for the Bowl and the Aitutaki outer island team took home the shield after disposing of the Melbourne Valley Reds.
As Cook Islands News sports journalist Matariki Wilson put it, “Sevens in Heaven 2010 has outdone past international tournaments with high calibre players from New Zealand helping to provide great games and lift the standards – and providing a great excuse for people to get dressed up and let their hair down.”
The next video will show some of the off-field action including those who dressed up.

Women's rugby at Rarotonga sevens

Women’s rugby sevens has improved a huge amount over the past few years and it was obvious watching the games at the Rarotonga international sevens tournament.
Eight teams took part, four local and four from New Zealand although the local teams also had overseas players.
T&M Crushers, Avatiu Motor Centre Eels, Club Raro Stormers and Titikaveka Rehab Ravens were the local sides; College Rifles, Waitakere Nesians, Hastings Rugby & Sports and Napier Tech Rugby came from overseas.
Final results: College Rifles won the cup after defeating local favourites Rehab Ravens; Hastings Rugby & Sport beat T&M Crushers for the plate and Waitakere Nesians (who reckon they trained on McDonalds) won the bowl over Napier Tech Rugby girls.
We had a great three-day rugby fiesta with fast-moving good quality and entertaining women’s rugby.
Look forward to more of the same next year.