Cook Islands claim last World Cup berth

Cook Islands have secured the final spot at IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 after beating South Africa 58-6 in Sunday’s RLWC26 qualifying match at CommBank Stadium.

The Aitu join Australia, England, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Wales as the 10 men’s teams contesting the World Cup at the end of next season.

The women’s teams for RLWC26 were recently finalised with Fiji winning IRL World Series 2025 in Canada to join Australia, England, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Wales.

The eight Wheelchair teams are Australia, England, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, USA and Wales.    

Cook Islands became the 14th nation to qualify for RLWC26 after storming home in the second half.

The Aitu led 20-6 at halftime after a spirted opening 40 minutes by South Africa, who scored a spectacular try through fullback Luke Pereira De Vlieg and had two others disallowed.

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Luke Pereira De Vlieg Try

The Rhinos also lost lock Aden Perry to the sinbin for a shoulder charge late in the first half and the Aitu took advantage with Esan Marsters and Marata Niukore scoring while their opponents were down to 12 men.

South Africa held their own for the opening 10 minutes of the second half but the flood gates opened after KL Iro finished a long range try in the 51st minutes.

Brendan Piakura, Cassius Cowley and Niukore scored in quick succession to ensure the Cook Islands place at RLWC26.