Town Whites win first Conan Cup despite last-round loss

The Town Whites lifted the Conan Cup Women’s Rugby League title for the first time, despite losing to the Country Blacks in the final game of the three-match series last weekend.

The Whites won the inaugural Cook Islands Rugby Union Interstate Origin Series by defeating the Blacks in the first two games.

In the first match at Nukupure Park in Ngatangia, the Whites defeated the Blacks 26 to 14. In the second match at Aretere Park in Awatiu, the Whites narrowly defeated the Blacks 24 to 22 after a hard fought battle.

In the final match at Nukupure Park on Saturday, the Black team came out stronger, restored their self-respect and won 14-10 in a thrilling contest.

Kiana Sword-Tua of Town Whites said: “Unfortunately, the third match did not go our way, it was a hard-fought match until the final whistle and our unforced errors allowed the national team to take advantage and ultimately win a well-deserved victory.”

“Although we would have liked to win the series 3-0, the national team played better on Saturday.”

Sward-Tua said the team was “incredibly proud” of the players raising their hands to represent Town, especially those who were experiencing rugby league for the first time.

“This is the first time we have won the Conan Cup which is a great achievement in itself and it would not have been possible without our players, coaches and management.

“We would like to thank our coaches Munukoa Kopu and Edwin Teraitua for taking the time to coach us and quickly put together this team for this series.”

Sward-Tua said Cook Islands women’s rugby league was on the rise and interest in the sport was particularly high this year.

“…The inclusion of the Maine Tuepolo Development Program has been a great help to the rules because it ensures that young girls interested in the sport are able to learn, play and enjoy the great game of soccer,” she said.

“Thank you to the CIRL League for a great season and we look forward to 2025.”

The Conan Cup Women’s Rugby League Series was launched in 2022 in memory of the late Colin (Conan) Ngari Munokoa-Tini, who was passionate about the league.

Munokoa-Tini, who died in 2010 at the age of 45, was remembered as a “big man with a big heart”. He was the eldest son of former Nikau MP Ngamau Munokoa and her husband Ngari.

He was president of the Arorangi Bears Rugby League Club, a keen supporter of the Awatiu Eels Rugby League Club and was active in the Referees Association and youth development.