Tonga rugby

Fekitoa has his say on speculation linking him and Charles Piutau to Tonga switch

Test capped players are usually unable to play for two different countries at XVs level. However, a loophole came into the sport when rugby became a sevens event at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Players with dual eligibility who have already bound themselves to one country by representing that nation at XVs can now switch to their other country of allegiance through a loophole spurred on by rugby’s involvement at the Games.

Charles Piutau's Tongan rugby switch could be off for good

Players with eligibility for more than one country can switch their international allegiance by participating in Olympic qualifying events provided they had a passport for the second country and complete a stand down period of three years.

Piutau played the last of his 17 tests for the All Blacks in 2015 and previously stated he would love to represent his Tongan heritage.

The Olympic Sevens Qualifier had been earmarked as a chance for the 29 year old to complete his switch from New Zealand to Tonga, alongside another ex All Black, Malakai Fekitoa.

The soul of Tongan Rugby: New CEO on finances, fixtures and the future

Peter Harding spent four years as General Manager of High Performance with the TRU, before departing in 2016 when a new administration was voted in.

Since then he worked as a rugby consultant in Africa and Asia but said his passion for Tonga never left.

Kefu coaches Tonga Rugby to give back to his family

Kefu has been involved with the ‘Ikale Tahi team since 2011 and was appointed head coach in 2016.

"Representing Tonga for my brother when he played was an opportunity to represent the family and that meant a lot to him - not only him but to myself as well. To represent 'Ikale Tahi as a coach is an opportunity to represent the family."

The former Wallabies number eight was born in Kolomotu'a in 1974 before moving with the family to Australia the following year.  

Former All Blacks player to play for Tonga in Monaco?

 The former All Black last dawned the black jersey in 2015, his 15th cap for the team, since then he has shifted his focus on playing club rugby, playing for Wasps before moving to Ulster. Now the 29 year old is playing for Bristol and has been since 2018, his brother Siale who captained the Tonga team at the World Cup in 2019, also plays for Bristol.

Tonga to face ultimate test against All Blacks 7s

The kingdom will play five matches against the All Blacks Sevens and a Fiji Barbarians team in Mount Maunganui as they step up their preparation for the final Olympic Qualification tournament in June.

It's the third straight year Tonga's New Zealand-based squad have tested themselves against the World Series champions and coach Tevita Tu'ifua is grateful for the opportunity.

"It is quite a blessing that we are able to base here in New Zealand with Covid and we have this opportunity," he said.

Tonga in Rugby Sevens Olympic Qualifier in Monaco

World Rugby made the announcement last week.

The men’s tournament will involve Brazil, Chile, China, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, Samoa, Tonga, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

There is also a women’s competition, which Tonga is not part of, but will feature Argentina, Colombia, France, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Samoa and Tunisia.

Tonga’s Men’s Sevens team qualified for the repechage after they placed 5th at the Oceania Sevens last November in Fiji.

Tonga Rugby looks to kick off new era

The full-time role comes after the TRU signed a tripartite agreement with World Rugby and the Tonga government in September, after the global governing body had threatened to pull all financial support.

The new joint management committee are taking charge until long-standing governance issues are resolved.

The General Manager of High Performance at World Rugby, Peter Horne, said he's confident TRU are on it's way to a successful future.

Dan Leo’s ‘Oceans Apart’ rugby film receives global support

Dan Leo- who is the founder of the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare, traveled to the UK to interview Pacific islands rugby players and the former greats in Samoa, Fiji and Tonga.

The film was released on Monday, titled ‘Oceans Apart: Greed, Betrayal and Pacific Island Rugby’.

The film highlights the struggles Pacific islands teams face together with the players.

Celebrity chef, Phil Vickery also reacted to the film and shared the preview on his Twitter account saying “For everyone who loves our game this is truly emotional please watch and share.”

Tonga and Samoa keen to be back on the field

The match was meant to take place in Apia in April but was postponed due to Covid-19.

A final date and venue is yet to be confirmed but RNZ Pacific understands the qualifying match will be held on November 14th at the 2021 World Cup venue Waitakere Stadium.

Tonga assistant coach, Sione Pulu, said their squad is excited to get back on the field again after a dramatic campaign which involved a measles outbreak, visa entry complications and a global pandemic. (links)

"I think we're still lucky it's going ahead," he said.