School spirit shines at 2026 Rising Stars Rippa Rugby Competition

Apii Nikao won 1st place in the U13 girls Rippa Rugby event of the 2026 Rising Stars Rugby Championships. CISNOC/26092119

Cook Islands Rugby Union development manager Ben Koteka said after four weeks of healthy, active, learning competition and blessed with another beautiful Friday of fine weather, it was great to see all the tamariki assemble to celebrate the final week of a wonderful competition.

Koteka said it was great to see a variety of school names on the podium in all grades and especially the smaller schools like Rutaki, Takitumu and Imanuela Akatemia who punch above their weight.

“As Rising Stars celebrates its 11th year of 'inspiring and unifying our communities' in Rarotonga and now including Pa Enua - Atiu and Aitutaki, God bless and thank you to everyone involved, both 'on and off the field', all our tamariki had an awesome time.”

He said the most inspiring prizes were awarded to under 11 – girls at St Joseph’s and under 11 - boys of Apii Rutaki.

Principal Apii Nikao, Michael Mokai said, "Rising Stars had another very successful year. Our tamariki loved being part of it and enjoy the great competition. It was great to see the trophies shared across a number of schools, which shows just how high the standard was this year.

“As always, a huge thank you to the sponsors for supporting this fantastic initiative, and meitaki ma’ata to the Rising Stars Organising Committee for their ongoing commitment to providing such a wonderful event."

The top three placing per grade for Rippa Rugby were:

· U11 Boys- 1st- Avarua Red, 2nd- Rutaki, 3rd St Joseph’s.

· U11 Girls: 1st St Joseph’s, 2nd – Imanuela Akatemia, 3rd- Apii Takitumu.

· U13 Boys: 1st- Apii Te Uki Ou, 2nd- Nukutere, 3rd Imanuela Akatemia.

· U13 girls – 1st Apii Nikao, 2nd Titikaveka, 3rd Apii Te Uki Ou- Phoenix.

· Rugby 7s- U12 boys: 1st- Nukutere College Warriors, 2nd- Nukz Power, 3rd- Titikaveka College.