The Cook Islands women's national rugby league team, also known as the Cook Islands Moana represents Cook Islands in Women's rugby league. The Cook Islands have competed in three Women's Rugby League World Cup tournaments.
In 2003, the Cook Islands played six matches, for two wins (both over Tokelau), a draw (with Great Britain), and three losses. In 2017 the Cook Islands lost their first two matches by large margins, before registering a surprise win over England in their third and last match. The Cook Islands participated in the 2021 Women's Rugby League World Cup which, after a delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was played in November 2022. Again, the Cook Islands lost their first two matches before winning their third and last match, on this occasion beating France women's national rugby league team.
The Cook Islands had prequalified for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup. The withdrawal of intended hosts France, in August 2023, prompted a review by the governing body, which resulted in a reduction in the number of teams, from sixteen to eight. The number of pre-qualified teams was also reduced from eight to four, impacting the Cook Islands. Consequently, the Cook Islands will now need to qualify for the next World Cup, which was pushed back to 2026.
Cook Islands women's teams participated in the mid 1990s Oceania Cup tournaments in New Zealand. After appearing in the 1996 Oceania Cup, there was a gap in participation by Moana teams for several years until a revival in 2002 ahead of the 2003 World Cup. Invitational games were played against Maori and Niue teams. The squad for 2003 tournament were selected from New Zealand clubs.
Cook Islands first World Cup appearance was at the 2003 Women's Rugby League World Cup. After a loss by a large margin in their opening fixture against New Zealand, Cook Islands won their second game against Tokelau. Fresh off byes in the last round of the first phase, and first round of the second phase, the Cook Islands held Great Britain to a 20-all draw.
Cook Islands qualified for the 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup by default after Fiji, Samoa and Tonga withdrew from the Pacific qualifying tournament due to a lack of players. After losses by large margins to New Zealand and Australia, the Cook Islands team had an upset victory over England.
Note:
The Moana squad for the 2025 Pacific Championships was announced on social media on 7 October 2025.
Jersey numbers in the table reflect selections for the Round 2 match versus Tonga
Tallies in the table reflect the match versus Tonga on 25 October 2025.
Notes
Biggest winning margins
Biggest losing margins
Most consecutive wins
Most consecutive losses
Squad for the 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup:
Squad for the 2003 Women's Rugby League World Cup: