Tonga Rugby Team

Tonga Rugby Union Team

Tonga Rugby History

The men’s Tonga rugby union team, known as “’Ikale tahi” (The Sea Eagles in English) played their first international match in 1924 when they hosted pacific neighbours Fiji in Nuku’alofa.

The Tongan Rugby Union was founded a year earlier in 1923 and were admitted to the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby) in 1987 following the inaugural Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

Tonga Rugby on the Rise

Tonga beat Australia for a memorable win in 1969 and have toured Europe periodically since the 1970s. They made their Rugby World Cup debut in 1987 and although they have been ever-present at the showpiece tournament since 1995 they have yet to qualify from the group stages.

This coupled with Manoa Pasifika’s inclusion in Super Rugby Pacific from 2022 will see Tonga become a more prominent force in international rugby in the years ahead.

Tonga Rugby Legends

Despite its small population Tonga have produced a significant number of top players since the game turned professional in 1995, including Nili Latu, Kurt Morath and Aleki Lutui.

Players of Tongan descent have also appeared for a number of other national sides in recent years including the Vunipola brothers Mako and Billy (both England), Jonah Lomu (New Zealand), Taniela Tupou (Australia) and Taulupe Faletau (Wales).

Changes to World Rugby’s international eligibility laws in 2021, has seen several high-profile internationals of Tongan descent to turn out for the Sea Eagles including former All Blacks Charles Piatau, Vaea Fifita and Malakai Fekitoa.

Hospitality at Tonga Rugby Matches

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