[3] The Cook Islands Rugby Union was founded in 1948, and affiliated to the IRFB in 1995.

As with many Pacific Island nations, rugby has been the main sport since the early 20th century.

[4] However, Cook Island rugby has mostly taken the form of an informal folk sport until recently.

[4] In the 1990s, Anthony Turua played a major part in formalising the situation, and getting the national side up to standard.

Thus far, the Cook Islands have not made an appearance at any of the Rugby World Cups.