Eels host Bears in rugby final

Avatiu Eels' Fale Sooialo and Arorangi Bears' Heath Heather. TEITIMOANA TAIRI/26092330

Cook Islands Rugby Union development manager Ben Koteka says these two teams have met twice this year.

In Round 1 the Eels won the first match by 32 points to 19.

In Round 2, which was played 3 weeks ago, the match ended in a 22-all draw.

“The Round 2 match, as expected, this was an arm wrestle with the Eels leading at the halftime break by 8 points to 7.

“With rain throughout this was a scrappy but evenly contested match, especially in the second half, where neither team could establish ascendancy; the lead changed seven times in the second half alone.

“That day, the Eels were helped by the goal-kicking of their utility loose forward/midfielder Leki Vahefoou - who was their third-choice goal kicker, Leki ended up kicking three second-half pressure penalty goals to keep the Eels in the race.”Koteka said this grand final match will be played between two teams with contrasting styles of play: the Bears' big and powerful forward pack, based around a strong set piece scrum and lineout led by experienced and ex Cook Islands reps, lock Robert Heather and hooker Francis Smith.

The Eels will rely heavily on their pacey backline led by Nathan Nabou and Tama Nicholas, complimented by hard-working loose forwards Josh Motu [Captain] and Fale Sooialo.

Can the Bears spring another surprise this week? Make sure to be at Aretere Park - Avatiu from 4pm to find out who will be crowned 2026 champions!

ARORANGI BEARS Squad: Daniel Tonorio, Francis Smith, Totoa Tuia, Jeremiah Nia, Bishop Emile, Henry Ariihee, Seta Besetimoala, Kianna Pomare, Robert Heather [Captain], Heath Heather, Wise Bola, Taio Taio, Basil Matapo, Ben Sokia, Andrew Tuilagi, Douglas Matakibau, Samu Ritawa, Geoff Taripo, Rupert Arona, Ngatuaine Jessie, TJ Arona

AVATIU EELS Squad: Toru Katuke, Jerry Tutangata, Josh Fatafehi, George Fatafehi, Josh Motu [Captain], Fale Sooialo, Fana Fotofili, Bill Temo, James Tofilau, Nuku Tetava, Ben Tulele, Tama Nicholas, Anapa Nicholas, Nathan Nabou, Tomasi Vunibola, Tepaki Mani, Jale Lagidela, Tafa Reece, Kusitino Samate, Piza Toba, Vaugh Pickering, Sakiusa Bole, Vaki Delaimoala

Fixtures: Gate fee: adults $3.00 & U14 free

· 12.30pm: Opening prayer and Junior Ruckstars: U6/8/10

· 2.30pm: Maine Tueporo Youth

· 4pm: Premier Men’s final: Avatiu EELS v Arorangi BEARS