late Tonga PM

Mr Pohiva died in Auckland last Thursday but has been lying-in-state at the St George Government Building over the past two nights.

There is a national day of mourning and public holiday in Tonga today to mark Mr Pohiva's funeral.

The Prime Minister's cortege has made its way from the St George building to the Free Wesleyan Centenary Church with the service to be conducted by the church president and royal chaplain, Reverend Dr 'Ahio.

Mr Pohiva will be buried at Telekava cemetery in Kolomotu'a.

The 78 year old was a former President of the Tonga Rugby Union and played an instrumental role in strengthening the union's governance and administrative structures.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said the global rugby community sends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the Pohiva family and the wider Tongan rugby community at this difficult time.