Culture of the Cook Islands Culture of the Cook Islands The culture of the Cook Islands reflects the traditions of its fifteen islands as a Polynesian island country, spread over in the South Pacific Ocean. It is in free association with New Zealand. Its traditions are based on the influences of those who settled the islands over several centuries. Polynesian people from Tahiti settled in the Cook Islands in the 6th century. The Portuguese captain, Pedro Fernandes de Queirós, made the first recorded European landing in the islands in the early 17th century, and well over a hundred years later, in the 18th century, the
Cook Islands national under-20 rugby union team Rugby Trophy. The Cook Islands lost their three pool matches against Chile, Romania, and Namibia before winning the 7th place play-off against Jamaica by 55–15. Cook Islands national under-20 rugby union team The Cook Islands national Under 20 rugby team is for Cook Islands rugby union players aged 20 or under on January 1 of the year during which they are selected. The team has played at the World Rugby U20 Trophy and also competes at the Oceania U20 Championship. Under 20 age grade rugby came into existence, as a result of the IRB combining the Under 19 Rugby World