Tonga National Rugby Union Team

The Tonga national rugby union team is nicknamed ʻIkale Tahi (Sea Eagles). Like their Polynesian neighbours, the Tongans start their matches with a war dance – the Kailao (aka the Sipi Tau). They are members of the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance (PIRA) along with Fiji and Samoa. The Ikale Tahi achieved a historical 19 – 14 victory over France in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, but having lost to New Zealand and Canada, were unable to achieve what would have been their first ever presence at the quarter-finals. On November 24, 2012, Tonga beat Scotland, at Pittodrie Stadium, 21-15 for their first victory over a traditional rugby power on a European pitch.

Read more about Tonga National Rugby Union Team:  History, Sipi Tau, Overall Record, Current Squad, Notable Former Players, Tongan Players Representing Other International Teams

Famous quotes containing the words national, union and/or team:

    Maybe it’s understandable what a history of failures America’s foreign policy has been. We are, after all, a country full of people who came to America to get away from foreigners. Any prolonged examination of the U.S. government reveals foreign policy to be America’s miniature schnauzer—a noisy but small and useless part of the national household.
    —P.J. (Patrick Jake)

    So we grew together
    Like to a double cherry, seeming parted,
    But yet an union in partition,
    Two lovely berries moulded on one stem.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    Is my team ploughing,
    That I was used to drive
    And hear the harness jingle
    When I was man alive?
    —A.E. (Alfred Edward)