The event will celebrate 30 years of the international rugby 7s competition and feature New Zealand rugby 7s legend Eric Rush as the tournament's ambassador.

Rush was part of the first group of international players that came through for the first international rugby 7s tournament in1989 playing for the Sheraton team, taking out the title for the very first competition and receiving the then named 'Steinlager' trophy.

The inaugural event also included teen rugby sensation and future global superstar Jonah Lomu, Fiji 7s rugby legend Waisale Severi, Wallabies player Peter Slatery and future Australian test rugby star Daniel Herbert. Since then, a myriad of New Zealand and pacific rugby stars have played at the international 7s, often coupling the tournament with a chance to enjoy our little paradise. 

"The Raro Rugby 7s Tournament in Rarotonga has a loyal following here and overseas. The tournament will bring people from all over the region and beyond together in Rarotonga, the perfect little Sports Paradise." stated tournament organiser Jessie Sword. 

Sixteen teams will play compete in the men's division with teams from New Zealand mixing it up with Rarotonga-based and outer islands teams. Four women's teams will square-off

"There is a great line up of teams registered to compete in this years event, with a total winning prize pool of $22,000." said Halatoa Fua, Cook Islands Tourism CEO during the signing ceremony.  

"We look forward to welcoming the participating male and female teams for this year's tournament as we celebrate a major milestone for the event; it's 30th year"

Tickets will be on sale from the 15 October from several outlets around Rarotonga and at the stadium on game days.

To keep up to date on all things 7s visit the official Facebook page