Muslim community

Now playing in France for Toulon, Savea is familiar with the Islamic community, with his wife Fatima a practising Muslim, even observing Ramadan to learn more about the culture.

Taking to Twitter, the 28-year old spoke about his heartbreak at the events from last Friday.

"I've been privileged enough to learn about Islam through my wife's family, especially her grandparents," Savea wrote.

"They've been to Mecca twice, they pray 5 times a day, they encouraged me to fast during Ramadan and taught me what it means to be a Muslim.

The Muslim community was first formally established in Tonga in 1983, but the government has still not approved its application for registration.

Imam Ilyas, or ‘Iliasi Manu, told Kakalu ‘O Tonga newspaper the Late King Tupou IV offered land for them to build a mosque, but he felt the congregation’s attempts to be registered were more difficult with the current monarch.