Cook Islands Rugby Union pays tribute to legend

The Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) is proud to induct several outstanding individuals and a historic team into its Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding contribution to rugby and the country over the past 30 to 50 years.

The award winners include George George Brian Williamson, Tekaotiki Matapo and the 1971 Cook Islands 15. They will be honoured at the CIRU Awards Gala tonight at Aroa Nui Hall in Arorangi.

George George: A football legend

Born in Aitutaki in 1957 and raised in Nikau, George George Brian Williamson, better known as George, has had a significant impact on the sport of Cook Islands rugby. George’s career as a player, coach and administrator in both 7-a-side and 15-a-side rugby has been marked by dedication and leadership.

George’s rugby career began at the Awatiu club, where he quickly rose to prominence and was selected for the national team. In 1980, he was named in the Cook Islands 15s’ starting lineup for a match against Italy in Rarotonga; however, an injury on the day of the match kept him out of the game. Despite the setback, George continued to excel, playing a key role for the Cook Islands 15s at the 1983 South Pacific Games in Samoa and leading the team to a gold medal at the 1985 Mini South Pacific Games in Rarotonga.

In 1987, George led the Cook Islands team to a silver medal at the South Pacific Games in New Caledonia. He later became a coach, taking the Cook Islands 7s to the Samoa Marist 7s Championships in 1990 and the 15s against the New Zealand Maori in 1992. From 1998 to 2004, George coached the Cook Islands 7s to several major tournaments including the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games and various International Rugby Board (IRB) 7s Championships.

Between 2008 and 2012, George served as Attaché or Head of the Cook Islands delegation to the Beijing and London Olympic Games, the New Delhi Commonwealth Games and the New Caledonia South Pacific Games. George was awarded an MBE in 2022 for his outstanding contribution to the community and public service. He continues to be active in the community, promoting men’s health and as a member of the Mongoose Golden Oldies rugby team.

Blind Tekotik: A Towering Figure

Born in Rarotonga in 1944, Te Ka’o Tiki Matapo is renowned for his contribution to the sport of Cook Islands rugby and his service to the community. Matapo was renowned for his athleticism and leadership, having led the Cook Islands 15-a-side team to several significant victories.

Matapo began his rugby career with Titikaweka and quickly became a formidable player. In 1980, he captained the Cook Islands 15-year-old rugby team to a historic 15-6 win over Italy in Rarotonga. He went on to captain the team to the 1983 South Pacific Games in Samoa and was a key member of the team that won the gold medal at the 1985 Mini South Pacific Games in Rarotonga. That same year, at the age of 41, he retired from rugby.

Aside from rugby, Matapo has also been a police inspector, politician, cabinet minister, diplomat and president of the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC).

In recognition of his services he was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2022. Today we pay tribute to Papa Tiki for his significant contribution to Cook Islands rugby and his dedication to his country.

1971 Cook Islands 15-man team

The 1971 Cook Islands 15s hold a special place in Cook Islands rugby history as the first team to represent the country at international level. The team sailed to Tahiti to compete in the South Pacific Games where they faced off against Samoa in a tough match, losing by a narrow margin of 18-24, and taking the silver medal.

Today, the Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) paid tribute to the pioneering spirit of the 1971 team who laid the foundations for Cook Islands rugby on the international stage.

Surviving members now living in Rarotonga include Bob Estall, Charlie Strickland, Nee Vaiimene, Archer Hosking, John Maoate, Joe Manual, Amene Rangi, Anau Manarangi, Isaiah Isaiah (Willie), Richard Browne, Piu Poaru, Moana Piri and Tione Paara (George Maoate). Their dedication and passion for the game inspired many players and fans.

We also remember those team members who lived overseas or have passed away, including William Hosking, Ngatokorua Takau, Geoffrey Heather, Joe Cowan, Rouru Matapo, Moeauri Raea, Neeti Povaru, Pare Rongokea, Ngatoa John, Mata Takairangi, Joe Browne, John Best, Tom Kopa, Purua Tupungaia and head coach Takai Toka.