Rugby Union in Tonga - History

History

Rugby union was brought to the region in the early 20th Century by sailors and missionaries. The main impetus for the establishment of rugby in Tonga came from the Irish missionaries in the 1920s, who introduced it to Tupo College and Tonga College. However, from then on, the main influence has been from New Zealand, as well as the neighbouring Pacific Islands of Samoa and Fiji, which not unlike Tonga perform far beyond their small population bases. Like Fiji and Samoa, they have a strong tendency towards rugby sevens, which suits their population and geography, and have performed well at the Hong Kong tournament.

Tonga beat Fiji 9-6 in their first test in 1924 played in the capital Nukuʻalofa.

1973 is arguably the high water mark of Tongan rugby, when they managed to beat Australia 16-11.

The New Zealand connection, as with Samoa, has been a mixed blessing, since on the one hand it means that Tongans can play in a major field, but on the other that winning a cap for the All Blacks is a major ambition for many Tongans.

Notable Tongan players include-

• Viliami Ofahengaue, who played for Australia, Tongan born.

Jonah Lomu, who was born in Auckland to Tongan family, but grew up in New Zealand and played there, and would have been able to qualify for the Tonga side.