The Cook Islands Rugby League Nines returns to Rarotonga in January 2026, bringing an electric, three‑day “9s in Paradise” tournament to the sandside capital. Expect open men’s, women’s, and youth squads from across the Pa Enua and overseas communities, big island crowds, cultural performances, and wall‑to‑wall action on a compact, carnival‑style schedule. With recent editions kicking off at Rarotonga’s National Stadium in Nikao and the Cook Islands Rugby League Association actively inviting global teams for 2026, this is the perfect year to lace up or lock in your spectator itinerary.
Dates, venue, and format
The annual league nines is staged in January as the island’s first major footy gathering of the year. In 2025, Cook Islands News confirmed the tournament opened on a Thursday and ran three straight days at the National Stadium in Nikao (often called BCI Stadium). Organizers have trailed “9s in Paradise 2026” across social and official channels and are welcoming team entries from abroad. Expect a similar mid‑January, Thursday‑to‑Saturday format in 2026 with the final schedule released by Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL).
- Primary venue: National Stadium, Nikao (BCI Stadium), Rarotonga.
- Brackets: Open Men’s, Open Women’s, and U18 Men’s have been listed in official 9s communications; final 2026 divisions will be confirmed on the tournament flyer.
- Match cadence: Rapid nine‑a‑side fixtures, pool play to knockouts, with semifinals and finals stacked late on Day 3 for full‑stadium energy.
Who’s playing in 2026
CIRL has publicly welcomed “teams from across the globe” to experience rugby league on a tropical island paradise in 2026, building on a 2025 field that mixed Rarotonga club brands with Pa Enua selections and overseas invitees. With the national side earning 2026 Rugby League World Cup qualification after dispatching South Africa in late 2025, expect player interest and spectator turnout to hit new highs as local heroes return home in the off‑season.
- Local clubs: Bears, Eels, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Bulldogs—fan bases you will hear from across Avarua.
- Pa Enua and mixed squads: Aitutaki, Mauke, Manihiki, Mitiaro, Rakahanga have featured in nines semis in recent years.
- Overseas touring teams: CIRL invites Australian and NZ‑based Cook Islands communities and club sides to enter 2026.
Tickets, team entry, and pricing guidance
- Spectator entry: Past editions offered affordable day passes at the gate; expect a low‑cost festival ticket model with concessions on site. Final 2026 pricing posts with the schedule.
- Team registration: CIRL’s 9s pages historically list Open Men’s, Open Women’s, and U18 Men’s divisions with registration closing in December; overseas teams contact CIRL directly to secure spots and logistics support.
- What’s included: Tournament accreditation, match officiating, medical cover, and podium presentations for champions and MVPs.
Follow Cook Islands Rugby League social channels for the 2026 team pack, registration deadlines, and draw release.
Daily schedule and fan tips
- Day 1 (Thu): Opening ceremony, pool play, culture welcome.
- Day 2 (Fri): Pool deciders, crossover games, entertainment after dark.
- Day 3 (Sat): Knockouts and finals, awards on the main stage, closing show.
Fan essentials:
- Shade and hydration: Bring a hat, reef‑safe sunscreen, and a refillable bottle; vendors sell cold drinks and island plates.
- Seating: Grandstand plus grass—grab railside for camera angles on sideline tries.
- Culture: Expect pe’e (chants), drums, and dance—join respectfully.
Why nines in Rarotonga are special
Rugby league runs deep in the Cooks, and nines cranks the pace while keeping the island’s “one big family” energy. The stadium sits a few minutes from the lagoon—swim at Nikao or OTB between sessions, then head back for golden‑hour semis. You can bump into players at Punanga Nui Market on Saturday morning or at eateries along Avarua in the evening, making the tournament as social as it is competitive.
Travel and logistics for January 2026
- Flights: Book Air New Zealand or regional routes to Rarotonga (RAR); January draws both sport travelers and holidaymakers—book early.
- Stays: West‑side resorts from Nikao to Arorangi keep you close to the stadium; Muri offers lagoon calm if you want quieter evenings.
- Getting around: Scooters, compact cars, or the island bus loop; driving time around the island is roughly 45 minutes.
- Weather: Warm and humid with brief showers. Plan light layers and a dry bag for gear.
Food, culture, and off‑field fun
- Eat like a local: Ika mata, BBQ plates, and fresh fruit are tournament‑day staples from pop‑ups; in town, try fish sandwiches and island curries.
- Markets: Punanga Nui (Saturday morning) for craft shopping and music before finals.
- Culture hits: An evening island night show after Day 1 or Day 2 keeps the team buzz alive.
Pathways and performance story
The nines unlocks opportunities—selectors watch for speed, skill, and chemistry. With the national Aitu qualified for the 2026 World Cup, players will aim to impress, and coaching staff will scout combinations. The women’s game continues to surge, and U18s get a fast‑learning arena on the same stage, strengthening depth across codes.
Media, streaming, and updates
- Draw, results, and highlights: Posted to Cook Islands Rugby League Facebook and Instagram throughout the tournament.
- News coverage: Cook Islands News runs previews and daily wraps; check morning updates for standout performers and schedule tweaks.
- Onsite info: PA announcements and boards at BCI Stadium list match orders and entertainment slots.
What to pack
- Lightweight kit: Breathable tees, shorts, and a pareu for shade.
- Footwear: Sandals plus a sturdy pair for the stands.
- Sun/rain: Sunscreen, cap, compact poncho—showers pass quickly.
- Tech: Phone power bank and a small tripod if you plan to shoot highlights.
Ready to feel island footy at full throttle? Book your January escape, grab a seat at BCI Stadium, and join the chants as Cook Islands Rugby League Nines 2026 lights up Rarotonga with speed, skill, and pure island pride.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event: Cook Islands Rugby League 9s (“9s in Paradise”)
- Timing: January 2026; 2025 ran Thu–Sat at National Stadium Nikao
- Venue: National Stadium (BCI Stadium), Nikao, Rarotonga
- Divisions (historical): Open Men’s, Open Women’s, U18 Men’s; 2026 divisions to be confirmed on official flyer
- Format: Three‑day pool play to knockouts; semifinals and finals on Day 3
- Team Entry: CIRL inviting overseas teams for 2026; registrations typically close in December
- Context: National team qualified for 2026 Rugby League World Cup, boosting profile and interest
- Organizer: Cook Islands Rugby League Association (CIRL)
