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A unique team from New Zealand’s South Island will compete at the prestigious Cook Islands International Sevens Tournament in November.

The Southern Storm, as they will be known, is a group of highly skilled players and have several players from the successful Otago Country side this season.

The inspiration for Southern Storm came from Queenstown massage therapist Rebecca Whyte who works with professional rugby teams, including the All Blacks, and identified an opportunity for local players to compete in the tournament.

“I attended the Cook Islands tournament working with the Auckland Sevens team a couple of years ago and the idea started to form then. After discussions with key rugby people several of us felt we could put together a very strong and talented team and apply for selection to the tournament.”

Sixteen top international teams will compete and Southern Storm’s bid was helped by Cook Islands Seven’s superstar Koiatu Koiatu who recommended the team be included, after watching local players in action at the New Zealand Rugby Sevens in Queenstown, earlier this year.

“Koiatu believes our team has a lot of talent and untapped potential and will gain confidence competing against top class Pacific Island teams,” says Rebecca who is co-ordinating the Southern Storm.

It is a busy time for the Cook Islands and Rugby Sevens as the Pacific Mini Games will be held there in September too.

This tournament will be attended by national and international selectors scouting for talented players who want to further their careers in the sport - especially with the IOC's recommendation to put Rugby Sevens in the Olympics.

“Obviously all eyes will be on the sport with its recent short listing for the 2016 Summer Olympics. It will add huge value to the game and our players will have a chance to show their skills in the Cook Islands,” she said.

“We will also have a training session prior to the tournament with guru Eric Rush who is keen to help the team in its first appearance. This is a very exciting opportunity and will be a highlight of the tournament.”

Fundraising for Southern Storm’s campaign is now underway and a head sponsor and associate sponsors are being sought.

“Southern Storm’s inclusion in this tournament is a coup for rugby sevens in the south. The goal of team members is to help foster the growth of the sport from primary to secondary school level, acting as role models for other up and coming young players. We hope people will see it as an opportunity to support the team in its debut tournament as founding sponsors,” added Whyte.

A major fundraising function will be held on September 26 in Arrowtown with All Black and Chiefs player Leila Masaga attending as a special guest.

“We are delighted Leila can come and he will be a major draw card,” said Rebecca.

“The fundraising night will have a variety of entertainment and all the Southern Storm players will be involved.”

Sponsors of the Southern Storm include Queenstown Health, Millbrook Resort, Brooker Travel and the Willow Café and Bar in Arrowtown.

Queenstown Health has made a significant contribution and chiropractor Dr Neki Patel and physiotherapist Maria Flannagan will travel with the team to the Cook Islands.

Southern Storm Rugby Sevens Squad:
Daniel Iosefo (coach) Aidan Winter, Drew Carmondy, Todd Adolph, Daniel Eyles, Daniel Dodds, Iain Banks, Pita Wilson, Mitchelle Lake, Charlie Tiko, Sonny Vakaruru, Junior Maiono, Ben Purvis, Lex Keleca.