Geoff Halston has been named as Cook Islands' men's coach for the Solomon Islands 2023 Pacific Games ©Cook Islands Touch Association

Geoff Halston and Julz Westrupp have been named as the Cook Islands’ respective men’s and women’s touch rugby coaches for this year’s Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.

The Cook Islands Touch Association has announced the two appointments as preparations step up for the Games, scheduled to be held from November 19 to December 2.

Halston took to social media to express his delight and said he had an "exciting vision" for the team.

"I am humbled and privileged to serve our nation to this next campaign," Halston wrote in a post on Facebook.

"Looking for small improvements each step of our way, growing our leadership capacity, and becoming the best team and individuals we can be."


Tashi Tutai has been named as the women’s team manager, while the Cook Islands Touch Association has yet to finalise the appointment of a men’s team manager.

The Cook Islands were among four nations that participated in touch rugby at the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games.

Papua New Guinea claimed all three gold medals on offer, with the Cook Islands earning bronze in the mixed event.

The Cook Islands are due to vie for medals in the men’s, women’s and mixed touch rugby competitions at Solomon Islands 2023.