The Tongan national rugby team haven't played a test match on home soil for nearly ten years, and hopes of a return to Nuku'alofa by Ikale Tahi to take on the touring Welsh side in June are fading.
The Tongan government insists it can still get Teufaiva Stadium ready on time, and have the pitch in playing condition.
The General Secretary of the TRU, Filokalafi Akau'ola said he is not optimistic about Wales signing off on the game when they make their final inspection in just a few weeks’ time.
“Last year I was very confident that the test match against Wales would be conducted here in Teaufaiva but up to now I feel like its 20% in favour of Tonga that we are going to host the very important test match for Wales and Ikale Tahi,” Akau’ola said in an interview with Pacific Beat.
“I think if we are going to make everything ready for the last inspection for the Wales team management when they are here in March they will have the final say whether they agree to have it here in Tonga or decide another place like New Zealand to take the match and have it there.”
Akau’ola said nothing has been done to improve the turf at the stadium.
He added the fans will be disappointed if Tonga is not able to host the test-match.
Photo file: Teaufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa Tonga