Super Rugby signings and regular test matches are just the start as the Cook Islands men's rugby team look to build on a productive international season.
The Cook Islands rugby team stand for the national anthem. Photo: Andrew Skinner / www.photosport.nz
The national team returned from the rugby wilderness in July, following a three-year absence, playing against Tasman and the New Zealand Under 20s before a 54-10 defeat by Tonga in their Rugby World Cup Asia/Pacific Qualifer in Pukekohe.
Head coach Nathan Robinson said he was already in talks about a rematch.
"I've been in contact with (Tonga coach) Toutai Kefu talking about a potential game next year and Niue Rugby have reached out as well," he said.
"It's just about seeing where we're at with the restrictions covid-wise and hopefully we can get a couple of games off the ground."
The former Cook Islands international said his phone was running hot in the weeks after playing Tonga, with a number of clubs in New Zealand and the Northern Hemisphere keen to add some Cook Islands talent.
"We've fielded a couple of calls from France and England. Even World Rugby congratulated us on how it went - even though we didn't win it was good for Pacific Island rugby and in particular the Cook Islands," he said.
"I've got a couple of friends coaching in Spain and Portugal that are looking at players. A couple of players have gone now to Spain - we could have had more but just with the MIQ situation I was a bit hesitant to let boys go. At the end of the day it was their choice but we covered all the bases in terms of pros and cons of going overseas at the moment."
Tonga's Sam Vaka is tackled during their Rugby World Cup qualification match against the Cook Islands in July. Photo: Andrew Skinner / www.photosport.nz
A number of New Zealand schools have also enquired about recruiting Cook Islands-based students on rugby scholarships, with Samoa, Fiji and Tonga not an option at the moment because of travel restrictions.
Robinson admitted the New Zealand-based players have taken a risk by heading offshore in the middle of a global pandemic, but said their clubs have agreed to support them beyond the end of the season if they are unable to return home.
"The clubs are happy to meet that cost if it does eventuate," he said.
"They've got a financial contribution from the clubs - flights, accommodation, visas, insurances, gym etc. There's two boys at the one club who don't work - they've got enough money to be so-called semi-professional - and then there's a couple of others that are working on the side as well just to help with their income."
Meanwhile, the inclusion of Moana Pasifika in an expanded Super Rugby competition is already paying dividends for Cook Islands Rugby.
Southland lock Mike McKee, 28, and North Harbour hooker Luteru Tolai are both eligible to represent the Cook Islands and have recently signed for the Auckland-based franchise.
"That's a win for the likes of Cook Islands Rugby and it shows the boys that playing for Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands and the likes of Niue as well that we can be selected for Moana regardless of what country you represent," Robinson said.
"I rung Mike the other day and congratulated him on his selection and he is definitely keen to play for us. He was in the loop to play the Tongan game but he had a bad injury last year and he had limited game time club-wise this year, and we came to the decision not use him for the Tongan test.
"He's been lucky it's paid off dividends in terms of being a bit more match-fit for Southland and Aaron Mauger has obviously touched base and signed him for next year."
Moana Pasifika head coach Aaron Mauger is of Samoan, Tahitian and Cook Islands descent.
While the team is predominantly made up of Samoan and Tongan eligible players, Robinson said the former All Black has also made an effort to include the Cook Islands.
"We talk via Facebook and we've got each other's numbers and emails so he's real communicative," he said.
"I know he's real busy so I'm just trying not to pester him too much about getting some more Cook Islands boys in his setup."
Cook Islands men's rugby coach Nathan Robinson. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Vinnie Wylie
Signing for Moana Pasifika does not lock in a player's international eligibility for any one country, but the expectation is those who can play for the likes of Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Fiji should make themselves available for higher honours.
"I've spoken to Aaron Mauger about a couple of other boys I'm trying to push his way and he's reiterated to the likes of Mike McKee and other Pacific Island boys that they've contracted that they put their hands up for their countries to strengthen Pacific Island Rugby, so that's what I've been counting on."
Since playing three matches in July, Robinson said the pool of players available to represent the Cook Islands has effectively doubled.
"Pre Tonga I had communication with about six or seven boys who were in NPC training squads ... since that Tongan game we've had another six or seven boys reach out that were in NPC wider at the time or are playing NPC now that have seen the light through Moana," he said.
"They've realised that playing for the Cooks lines them up with Moana and potentially getting that Super contract."
Cook Islands rugby talent is in demand. Photo: Andrew Skinner / www.photosport.nz
