King Tupou VI will attend Tonga’s semifinal match against England at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland this Saturday.
This has been confirmed to Kaniva News by Tongan consul in Auckland, Stafford ‘Aho.
His Majesty will arrive in Auckland on Friday, he said.
This is the first time Tonga has advanced past the group stages since competing in their first World Cup in 1995.
“Head Coach Kristian Woolf’s side have beaten strong opposition, including New Zealand, to make the semi-final and will be looking to key players Jason Taumalolo, Andrew Fifita, Tuimoala Lolohea and Michael Jennings to get them over the line at Mount Smart at the weekend.”
Asked whether the king will meet the Mate Ma’a Tonga players during the game ‘Aho said the programme was tight and there was no time for that.
Since the World Cup tournament began Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva attended Tonga’s matches.