After 28 years travelling the Pacific, the Cook Islands senior men’s national team will return home to Rarotonga for the first time since 1998 when they host Tahiti in the first of two international matches this weekend.
It marks the start of a new era for the team under head coach Rhys Ruka, who takes the helm on a two-year deal through to 2028, after previously leading the women’s national team during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ qualifiers earlier in the year.
“Rarotonga has had a massively positive influence on my character and the way I see the world, so to be able to give back to the country that’s given me so much is a unique blessing and one that I’m very grateful for,” says Ruka.
The Cook Islands will host Tahiti for two matches at the CIFA Complex in Rarotonga, the first on Saturday 26 September, and the second on Wednesday 30 September, also doubling as their first international matches since the culmination of their FIFA World Cup 2026™ Oceania Qualifying campaign at the first round in 2024 – 747 days ago.
Coincidentally, the last time the senior men’s team played on home soil, was also against Tahiti at the 1998 Polynesian Cup.
Ruka’s first challenge is a formidable one though, with the Cook Islands having won just two international matches over the last decade, both against Tonga.
“I love winning just as much as the next man, but we do need to have an element of realism about these first contacts,” he says. “We are playing against a very good team and players who know each other well from not only the national team, but the Pro League set up with Tahiti United as well.”
Tahiti will also be returning from the international wilderness after a time away, having last played in March 2025. They are ranked 29 places higher than the Cook Islands on the FIFA Rankings though, at #157 compared to #187.
Tahiti has also won all ten previous meetings between the two nations, including 9-1 and 3-0 wins in a similar two-match series in Pirae in 2023.
“It’s always good to play against higher ranked opposition as that’s when you learn the most. To get better, we need to spend more time together and play more games.”
Ruka led the women’s national team for five matches between November 2025 – June 2026, winning three – once against Tahiti during FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ qualifying, and twice against Afghan Women United in a two-match series. He also led Auckland-based club Fencibles United to an historic first New Zealand Chatham Cup title, just a couple of weeks ago.
“I really enjoyed taking the girls. It was very good learning and a lot of laughs, but my skill set is probably more suited to the men’s game I would say.”
“I don’t know much about a lot of our players, so this first set of games will be about setting new standards and trying to implement a way of playing while having fun along the way.”
Ruka’s appointment is part of a long-term process for the Cook Islands leading into FIFA World Cup 2030™ qualifying, and next year’s OFC Men’s Nations Cup 2028 – Qualifying, which will also be held on home soil in Rarotonga.
They haven’t qualified for the OFC Men’s Nations Cup since 2000 and will also be hoping to advance past the first round of the qualifiers for the World Cup for the first time in their nation’s history.
“We have a two-year plan, so it is about gradually getting better from the moment we get together. From the first meeting and training session in Rarotonga, I’m confident we will do that. The players are excited and I am too.”
The road ahead is a long one, but with Ruka at the helm and home advantage to come, the Cook Islands will be looking to use these matches as the foundation for a new chapter in their international journey.
Fixture Details
Both matches are scheduled to be held at the CIFA Complex in Rarotonga.
Match One
Cook Islands v Tahiti | Saturday 26 September | 6pm local time
Match Two
Cook Islands v Tahiti | Wednesday 30 September | 4pm local time