History of the Cook Islands History of the Cook Islands The Cook Islands are named after Captain James Cook, who visited the islands in 1773 and 1777. The Cook Islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, the islands were annexed as British territory. In 1901, the islands were included within the boundaries of the Colony of New Zealand. The Cook Islands contain 15 islands in the group spread over a vast area in the South Pacific. The majority of islands are low coral atolls in the Northern Group, with Rarotonga, a volcanic island in the Southern Group, as the main administration and government
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