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| Getting into a ruck with the NZ Parliamentary Rugby Team. Photo: Matariki Wilson. |
Playing, refereeing, writing about it or simply supporting it - there is no better than accomplishing something as a team on the field, pitch, turf or all of the above.
In the Cook Islands, sport is what they live on. From rugby to league, netball to cricket, football to handball (turns out they have their own association that is proving to be popular) and all of the other sports, participation is healthy, competitive and makes for good viewing.
You do have to blink a few times to realise that the same guy you saw play at halfback on the rugby field could very well be the right back for the local football team, too.
There is certainly enough talent here on the island to have a competitive league. There are several codes that cater for all sportspeople because, well, they have to.
With only 12,000 people on the rock, it's very hard to manage to find a sportsman or woman who focus on one sport. It's mind boggling seeing how many natural athletes there are here, who are the jack of all trades but unfortunately the masters of none, too.
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| Had the ball taken off me haha, Avatiu FC taking on Arorangi Photo: CIFA Media |
I decided to join both cricket and football teams here that I later found out are on opposite sides of the island. Logic slapped me int he face with a stick and said "Think of the petrol costs!"
But in hindsight it has turned out to be one of the better ideas I've had since being here. How else would you be able to get to know more people if you were batting and bowling against some of the people you might be kicking a ball with only two or three days earlier?
And what an experience it has been. Comaraderie, compassion and commitment on both sports fields has seen me get into it more than I thought I would have.
We've all heard about how key sport is to uniting people, and it's no different here in the Cooks. Golden oldies rugby is prime and garners great support. Parliamentarians, veterans and the like all team up and give it their all regardless of ability.
This culminated in the NZ Parliamentary Rugby Team's recent visit to the island. Being 'short of numbers', the tourists called me up and asked if I'd like to lace up my boots. Being coached by former All Black and NZRU Chairman Richard Guy, it was an offer I couldn't refuse.
So I chucked on my boots and gave it my all for a quarter before letting someone else take my spot. Commentator Winston Peters apparently made mention of me which in itself is embarrassing enough to end one's rugby career.
For the record, the NZ team lost 17-10 to a passionate Cook Islands team. Haven't won on that ground in three attempts now.
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Life here is actually legitimately awesome. It's been a greyish start but now, into my third month, I could certainly see myself getting more and more used to Raro life.
Punctuality and sunburn aside, there are so many fantastic people and I've been lucky to call some of them my friends.
Certainly feel like I'm ready to make my mark - this is the Rarotonga I envisaged when I first came to the rock.
After a period of soul-searching, it's finally here - the Raro life!
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I'm just getting a couple of pieces of footage for the next vid and if you're interested in anything in particular do feel free to suggest it.
Unless it's my sunburn line - then it'll be an instant rejection.
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Take care my beloved friends and family. I do always appreciate your support and feedback and hope you enjoy reading of my time here in the Cook Islands. Kia manuia.
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