Tongan rugby player

New Zealand assault victim's family unable to visit from Tonga

Nineteen-year-old Leni Taufateau suffered a fractured skull after he was punched in an unprovoked attack by another male causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.

The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday morning and Taufateau remains in hospital.

His friend, Eddy Sunia, told the New Zealand Herald there have been lots of prayers coming from Tonga and it hasn't been easy for his parents.

He said it's been hard with the Covid-19 situation, but everyone is sending messages of support with his recovery.

Tongan rugby player sentenced for having sex with 15 year old

Wesley Lataimuli Palavi, of Geraldine, who was 21 at the time of the offending, was convicted in the Timaru District Court of unlawful sexual connection with a young person.

The Court heard how Palavi began meeting and grooming the girl by sending messages to her on Facebook.

This progressed to full sexual intercourse on July 4, 2016 when Palavi and the complainant were walking to Palavi’s rugby training at Ruakapuka Recreation Reserve.

Tongan rugby player stranded in Romania denied access to New Zealand

Sione Vaiomounga played for Tonga at the 2011 Rugby World Cup before signing his first professional contract with Romanian club Baia Mare in 2014.

The flanker's world was turned upside down when blood began pouring from his nose shortly before a semifinal match for the team.

Vaiomounga was diagnosed with kidney failure and dialysis became critical to his survival, a treatment not available in Tonga.

Tongan rugby player dies in Sydney road accident

He was treated at the scene before being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a critical condition, but died a short time later, Sydney media reported.

Reports on social media confirmed the deceased was Holoua Tonga, a Tongan player at Balmain Rugby Club.

An emotional message was posted to the club’s Facebook page this morning said:

“We are sorry to pass on the news that Holoua Tonga passed away this morning after a motorcycle accident on the way to work.