Peggy Matapo joins IRL Women and Girls Advisory Group

Cook Islands official and former representative player Peggy Matapo has been appointed to the International Rugby League Women and Girls Advisory Group.

Matapo is a respected member of the Cook Islands Rugby League executives, and also serves as a constable in the Cook Islands Police Force.

As a player, Matapo has represented Cook Islands on the international stage and was a member of the 2019 Pacific Games team in Samoa, which won a bronze medal in Samoa.

She was a member of the management for the Cook Islands Vaine Moana team at last November’s World Cup in England.

Peggy Matapo

At home, Matapo is responsible for coordinating the local women’s competition in the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands Rugby League Chairman Charles Carlson said Matapo was passionate about developing women’s rugby league in the Cook Islands and the Pacific region.

“Peggy aims to create more opportunities and pathways for local women and girls to participate in this excellent game of rugby league,” he said.

Matapo was nominated for the IRL Women and Girls Advisory Group by the Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation. She replaces Tahina Booth ( PNG )

Matapo was a member of the Cook Islands Vaine Moana team management at last November's World Cup (Getty Images)

APRL Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Edwards said: “We are looking forward to working with Peggy during the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands in November 2023".

Cook Islands has been at the forefront of the growth of women’s rugby league in the Pacific, with the nation having competed at the 2003 and 2017 World Cups, as well as last year’s tournament in England.

Cook Islands Vaine Moana beat France at last year’s World Cup and England at the 2017 tournament.