Tonga national rugby union team (original) (raw)

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Rugby union team

Tonga

Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname ʻIkale Tahi (The Sea Eagles)
Emblem White dove
Union Tonga Rugby Union
Head coach Tevita Tuʻifua
Captain Ben Tameifuna
Most caps Nili Latu (54)
Top scorer Kurt Morath (340)
Top try scorer Fetuʻu Vainikolo (18)
Home stadium Teufaiva Sport Stadium
First colours Second colours
World Rugby ranking
Current 16 (as of 2 June 2022)
Highest 9 (2011, 2012)
Lowest 20 (2005, 2006)
First international
Tonga 9–6 Fiji (Nuku'alofa, Tonga; 25 August 1924)
Biggest win
Tonga 119–0 South Korea (Nuku'alofa, Tonga; 22 March 2003)
Biggest defeat
New Zealand 102–0 Tonga (Auckland, New Zealand; 16 June 2000) New Zealand 102–0 Tonga (Auckland, New Zealand; 3 July 2021)
World Cup
Appearances 9 (First in 1987)
Best result Pool stage (1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023)
Medal record Pacific Games Gold medal – first place 1979 Suva Silver medal – second place 1963 Suva Bronze medal – third place 1983 Apia

The Tonga national rugby union team (Tongan: timi feohi ʻakapulu fakafonua ʻa Tonga) represents the Tonga Rugby Union in men's international rugby union. The team is nicknamed ʻIkale Tahi (Sea Eagles). Like their Polynesian neighbours, the Tongans start their matches with a traditional challenge – the Sipi Tau. They are members of the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance (PIRA) along with Fiji and Samoa. The Ikale Tahi achieved a historic 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.

Rugby was brought to the region in the early 20th century by sailors and missionaries, and the Tonga Rugby Football Union was formed in late 1923. Tonga beat Fiji 9–6 in their first test in 1924 played in the capital Nukuʻalofa. However, Tonga lost the second test 14–3 and drew the decider 0–0.

Between 1924 and 1938 Tonga and Fiji played three test series every alternate year. Matches between the two Pacific nations were hard fought; many have claimed that the ancient feuding wars between the Islanders were transplanted onto the rugby field. Troubles during the third Test of Fiji's 1928 tour to Tonga forced the game to be abandoned with Tonga leading 11–8. In 1954 Tonga played host to a touring Western Samoa.

Tonga beat New Zealand Maori[1] in 1969, but had to wait until 1973 before they played their second test match, a 30–12 defeat against Australia in Sydney. They got their revenge when they beat Australia in Ballymore, Brisbane 16–11, scoring four tries to two in June 1973. The following year they traveled to the Arms Park for a non-cap international against Wales, a game that ended in a 26–7 defeat.

The first Tongan tour to Great Britain was in 1974, when they played 10 games, including those in Wales against East Wales, Llanelli, North Wales, Newport, West Wales and a Wales XV. The only tour victory was by 18–13 in the opener against East Wales. The 'tests' were lost by 44–8 to a Scotland XV and by 26–7 to the Wales XV.

They remained a little-known quantity in Europe until 1986, when Wales embarked on a tour of Fiji, Tonga and Western Samoa. Early in the game against Tonga, Welsh flanker Mark Brown was knocked over by three Tongan forwards, leading to a mass brawl involving the entire team except Malcolm Dacey and Mark Titley. Robert Jones describes the event in his book Raising The Dragon as "the worst brawl I have ever seen on a rugby field." At the post-match dinner Jonathan Davies was asked to give a few words in Welsh and as the hosts politely applauded he described them as "the dirtiest team I have ever played against"[2][3]

Tonga were drawn to play Wales again in the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The previous meeting, plus the decision to rest some of the leading players, led to a poor Welsh performance though they managed to win 29–16. Tonga lost its other two games to Ireland (32–9) and Canada (37–4).

They failed to qualify for the 1991 Rugby World Cup. In 1994 they won the South Pacific championship on try count and so qualified for the Super 10, in which they finished bottom of their pool with only one point.

They qualified for the 1995 World Cup ahead of Fiji on points difference. Tonga managed only two victories in the next two World Cups, against the 29–11 Côte d'Ivoire in 1995 and Italy in 1999. The win over the Côte d'Ivoire brought tragedy when Ivorian winger Max Brito was left paralyzed.

June 1999 brought a 20–16 defeat of France in Nukuʻalofa over a touring France but in 2000 they were defeated 102–0 (including 15 tries) by New Zealand.

After losing their first four matches to Fiji and Samoa, Tonga finished third in the Oceania qualifying group. As a result, they had to play home and away matches against Papua New Guinea, which they won 47–14 and 84–12, followed by a play-off against South Korea, who finished as runners-up in the Asian section. Tonga thrashed them 75–0 and 119–0.

At the 2003 Rugby World Cup Tonga lost all their games and finished bottom of their pool. Although they kept Wales to 20–27, they were again thrashed by New Zealand 91–7.

In 2007 Tonga participated in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, winning two of their pool matches and nearly defeating the eventual champions, South Africa, before losing 30–25.

Tonga achieved one of the most unexpected victories in Rugby World Cup history with their 19–14 win over France in the 2011 World Cup.[4]

On 24 November 2012, Tonga beat Scotland, at Pittodrie Stadium, 21–15 for their first victory over a traditional rugby power on a European pitch.

Like several Pacific rugby nations, Tonga has a pre-game war dance, called the Sipi Tau. It is a form of the Kailao, which was originally a war dance that was imported to Tonga from Wallis Island. It is usually performed at both public and private ceremonies.

During the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia, in Tonga's match against the All Blacks, the All Blacks began their traditional haka, and then Tonga answered to the haka through the sipi tau whilst the All Blacks were performing, bringing the teams within metres of one another just prior to kick-off.[5]

Wins against Tier 1 nations

[edit]

Tonga have recorded six wins against tier 1 opposition.

| 30 June 1973 | Australia | 11–16 | Tonga Tonga | Australia Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | Try: ColeTindallPen: McGill | Report | Try: KavapaluLatuMafi PahuluVave | Attendance: 9,563Referee: Australia Bob Burnett (Australia) | | |

| 16 June 1999 | Tonga Tonga | 20–16 | France | Tonga Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Nukuʻalofa | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | Try: TaufahemaTaumalolo (2)Con: Sateki TuipulotuPen: Sateki Tuipulotu | Report | Try: SarraméaCon: LamaisonPen: Lamaison (3) | Attendance: 7,000Referee: Wales Clayton Thomas (Wales) | | |

| 10 October 1999 | Italy | 25–28 | Tonga Tonga | England Welford Road, Leicester | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | Try: MoscardiCon: DomínguezPen: Domínguez (6) | Report | Try: FataniTaufahemaSateki TuipulotuCon: Sateki Tuipulotu (2)Pen: Sateki Tuipulotu (2)Drop: Sateki Tuipulotu | Attendance: 10,244Referee: Republic of Ireland Dave McHugh (Ireland) | | |

| 1 October 2011 | France | 14–19 | Tonga Tonga | New Zealand Westpac Stadium, Wellington | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | Try: Clerc 80' mPen: Yachvili (3/3) 1', 23', 49' | Report | Try: Hufanga 26' cCon: Morath (1/1) 28'Pen: Morath (4/8) 6', 35', 66', 72' | Attendance: 32,763Referee: Australia Steve Walsh (Australia) | | |

| 24 November 2012 | Scotland | 15–21 | Tonga Tonga | Scotland Pittodrie, Aberdeen | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | Pen: Laidlaw (5/7) 10', 38', 46', 55', 61' | Report | Try: Lokotui 51' cVainikolo 65' mCon: Apikotoa (1/2) 52'Pen: Apikotoa (3/5) 5', 64', 72' | Attendance: 20,306Referee: France Mathieu Raynal (France) | | |

| 26 November 2016 | Italy | 17–19 | Tonga | Italy Stadio Euganeo, Padua | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | 15:00 CET (UTC+1) | Try: Cittadini 12' cAllan 54' cCon: Canna (1/1) 13'Allan (1/1) 55'Pen: Padovani (1/1) 77' | Report | Try: Piutau 51' cCon: Takulua (1/1) 53'Pen: Takulua (4/5) 32', 45', 77', 80' | Attendance: 18,125Referee: John Lacey (Ireland) | |

  1. ^ Change from the previous week

Source: World Rugby[6] Graph updated to 9 December 2024

Below is table of the representative rugby matches played by a Tongan national XV at test level up until 16 November 2024.[7]

Opponent Played Won Lost Drawn Win % For Aga Diff
Argentina 2 0 2 0 0.00% 28 73 −45
Australia 4 1 3 0 25% 42 167 −125
Australia A 4 1 3 0 25% 71 210 −139
Canada 12 6 6 0 50% 268 271 −3
Chile 2 2 0 0 100% 71 40 +31
Cook Islands 4 4 0 0 100% 289 32 +257
England 4 0 4 0 0.00% 36 241 −205
England Saxons 1 0 1 0 0.00% 14 41 −27
Fiji 95 27 65 3 28.42% 1,276 1,931 −655
France 6 2 4 0 33.33% 96 172 −76
France French Barbarians 3 2 1 0 66.67% 94 107 -13
Georgia 7 2 5 0 28.57% 141 119 +22
Hong Kong 1 1 0 0 100% 44 22 +22
Ireland 3 0 3 0 0.00% 44 131 −87
Italy 6 2 4 0 33.33% 96 190 −94
Ivory Coast 1 1 0 0 100% 29 11 +18
Japan 18 9 9 0 50% 453 459 −6
Namibia 2 2 0 0 100% 55 35 +20
New Caledonia 1 1 0 0 100.00% 58 3 +55
New Zealand 7 0 7 0 0.00% 42 519 −477
Junior All Blacks 3 0 3 0 0.00% 48 124 −76
Māori 12 4 8 0 33.33% 165 319 −154
Papua New Guinea 2 2 0 0 100% 131 26 +105
Portugal 1 1 0 0 100% 24 19 +5
Romania 6 3 3 0 50% 144 136 +8
Samoa 70 27 39 4 38.57% 1,045 1,334 −289
Scotland 6 1 5 0 16.67% 89 241 −152
Scotland XV 2 0 2 0 0.00% 13 67 −54
Solomon Islands 1 1 0 0 100% 92 3 +89
South Korea 6 6 0 0 100% 464 66 +398
South Africa 3 0 3 0 0.00% 53 153 −100
Spain 3 2 1 0 66.67% 88 48 +40
Tahiti 1 1 0 0 100% 74 0 +74
Uruguay 1 1 0 0 100% 43 19 +24
United States 11 9 2 0 81.82% 289 189 +100
Wales 9 0 9 0 0.00% 108 301 −193
Wales XV 1 0 1 0 0.00% 7 26 −19
Zimbabwe 1 1 0 0 100% 42 13 +29
Total 322 122 193 7 37.89% 6,166 7,858 −1,692
Rugby World Cup record Qualification
Year Round Pld W D L PF PA Squad Head coach Pos Pld W D L PF PA
New Zealand Australia 1987 Pool stage 3 0 0 3 29 98 Squad V. Tuku'aho Invited
England France Ireland Scotland Wales 1991 Did not qualify 3rd 3 1 0 2 64 62
South Africa 1995 Pool stage 3 1 0 2 44 90 Squad F. Valu 1st 2 1 0 1 34 26
Wales 1999 Pool stage 3 1 0 2 47 171 Squad P. Tu'ihalamaka 4th 7 2 0 5 317 241
Australia 2003 Pool stage 4 0 0 4 46 178 Squad J. Love 3rd 8 4 0 4 398 178
France 2007 Pool stage 4 2 0 2 89 96 Squad Q. Fielea 3rd 7 3 0 4 329 136
New Zealand 2011 Pool stage 4 2 0 2 80 98 Squad I. Maka Automatically qualified
England 2015 Pool stage 4 1 0 3 70 130 Squad M. Otai
Japan 2019 Pool stage 4 1 0 3 67 105 Squad T. Kefu 2nd 4 1 0 3 68 93
France 2023 Pool stage 4 1 0 3 96 177 Squad 2nd 4 2 0 2 126 111
Total — 33 9 0 24 568 1,143 — — — 35 14 0 21 1,336 847
Champions Runners-up Third place Fourth place Home venue

Pacific Nations Cup

[edit]

Tonga previously competed in the Pacific Tri-Nations winning three tournaments. The Pacific Nations Cup replaced the Tri-Nations tournament in 2006. Tonga have yet to win a tournament.

Tournament Won Drawn Lost Tonga finish
2006 2 0 2 4th / 5
2007 1 0 4 5th / 6
2008 1 0 4 6th / 6
2009 0 0 4 5th / 5
2010 0 0 3 4th / 4
2011 2 0 1 2nd / 4
2012 1 0 2 3rd / 4
2013 2 0 2 3rd / 5
2014 0 1 1 3rd / 3
2015 3 0 1 3rd / 6
2016 0 0 2 3rd / 3
2017 1 0 1 2nd / 3
2018 1 0 1 2nd / 4
2019 1 0 2 5th / 6
2022 0 0 3 4th / 4
2023 0 0 3 4th / 4
2024 1 0 2 5th / 6
Total 16 1 38 0 titles

On 26 October, Tonga named a 30-player squad for their 2024 November internationals.[8]

Head Coach: Tonga Tevita Tuʻifua

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Sekope Lopeti-Moli Hooker (1996-08-12) 12 August 1996 (age 28) 2 New Zealand Moutere RFC
Sam Moli Hooker (1998-12-24) 24 December 1998 (age 26) 18 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Sosefo Sakalia Hooker (1991-12-14) 14 December 1991 (age 33) 21 Tonga Kolomotu’a RC
Duane Aholelei Prop (1989-02-16) 16 February 1989 (age 35) 1 United Arab Emirates Dubai Exiles
Jethro Felemi Prop (1994-01-01) 1 January 1994 (age 30) 13 Australia GPS
Tau Koloamatangi Prop (1995-01-03) 3 January 1995 (age 29) 15 United States Miami Sharks
Paula Latu Prop (1996-02-14) 14 February 1996 (age 28) 4 New Zealand Southland
Ben Tameifuna Prop (1991-08-30) 30 August 1991 (age 33) 38 France Bordeaux Bègles
Salesi Tuifua Prop 3 New Zealand Pakuranga
Adam Coleman Lock (1991-08-07) 7 August 1991 (age 33) 5 France Bordeaux Bègles
Kelemete Finau-Fetuli Lock 5 New Zealand Kumeu
Harison Mataele Lock (1994-01-01) 1 January 1994 (age 30) 10 Australia Eastern Suburbs
Justin Mataele Lock 2 England Bury St Edmunds
Semisi Paea Lock (1999-04-17) 17 April 1999 (age 25) 9 New Zealand Bay of Plenty
Tupou Afungia Back row (1999-09-12) 12 September 1999 (age 25) 5 United States San Diego Legion
Tevita Ahokovi Back row 6 New Zealand Auckland Marist
Sione Havili Talitui Back row (1998-01-25) 25 January 1998 (age 26) 15 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Lotu Inisi Back row (1999-04-26) 26 April 1999 (age 25) 8 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Aisea Halo Scrum-half (1993-06-29) 29 June 1993 (age 31) 10 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Johnny Ika Scrum-half 1 New Zealand Hawke's Bay
Siaosi Nginingini Scrum-half (1998-10-17) 17 October 1998 (age 26) 2 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
William Havili Fly-half (1998-09-09) 9 September 1998 (age 26) 15 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Patrick Pellegrini Fly-half (1998-09-28) 28 September 1998 (age 26) 11 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Fine Inisi Centre (1998-05-19) 19 May 1998 (age 26) 15 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Fetuli Paea Centre (1994-08-16) 16 August 1994 (age 30) 13 Italy Zebre Parma
John Tapueluelu Centre (1999-04-07) 7 April 1999 (age 25) 5 New Zealand Alhambra
Tima Fainga’anuku Wing (1997-04-26) 26 April 1997 (age 27) 7 New Zealand North Harbour
Taniela Filimone Wing (1999-06-01) 1 June 1999 (age 25) 3 United States New Orleans Gold
Lolesio Sailosi Wing 0 Tonga Apifo’ou College
Poasi Tonga Wing 1 Tonga Junior Ikale Tahi
Josiah Unga Fullback 2 New Zealand Auckland Marist

Current coaching staff

[edit]

The current coaching staff of the Tongan national team:[9]

Name Nationality Role
Tilitili Puloka TON Manager
Tevita Tuʻifua TON Head Coach
Nili Latu TON Assistant Coach
Pauliasi Manu TON Scrum Coach
Joe Tu’ineau TON Lineout Coach
Viliami Maʻafu TON Defence Coach
Kurt Morath TON Skills Coach
Isi Fatani TON Breakdown Coach
Semisi Fonua TON Strength & Conditioning coach
Joh Fifita TON Performance Analyst
Dr. Penisimani Poloniati TON Team doctor
Siosaia Vakasiuola TON Physiotherapist

Individual all-time records

[edit]

# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Won Lost Draw %
1 Sonatane Takulua Scrum-half 2014–2023 58 53 5 278 17 44 35 0 22 35 1 41.66
2 Nili Latu Flanker 2006–2017 48 47 1 28 5 0 1 0 19 28 1 40.62
3 Vunga Lilo Fullback 2007–2018 44 41 3 87 12 3 7 0 19 25 0 43.18
4 Siale Piutau Wing 2011–2019 43 41 2 32 6 1 0 0 17 25 1 40.69
5 Steve Mafi Lock 2010–2023 42 31 11 10 2 0 0 0 20 22 0 48.42
6 Elisi Vunipola Fly-half 1990–2005 41 40 1 50 8 2 2 0 15 26 0 36.58
7 Kurt Morath Fly-half 2009–2021 40 34 6 340 2 48 78 0 18 22 0 47.36
8 Pierre Hola Fly-half 1998–2009 39 38 1 322 12 68 42 3 19 20 0 48.72
Benhur Kivalu Number 8 1998–2005 39 35 4 40 8 0 0 0 14 24 1 37.17
Ben Tameifuna Prop 2017-present 39 29 10 20 4 0 0 0 12 27 0 30.00

Last updated: Georgia vs Tonga, 24 November 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop
1 Sonatane Takulua Scrum-half 2014–2023 58 53 5 278 17 44 35 0
Fetuʻu Vainikolo Wing 2011–2016 28 27 1 85 17 0 0 0
3 Josh Taumalolo Centre 1996–2007 26 23 3 118 14 6 12 0
4 Pierre Hola Fly-half 1998–2009 39 38 1 322 12 68 42 3
Vunga Lilo Fullback 2007–2018 44 41 3 87 12 3 7 0
6 Fepikou Tatafu Centre 1996–2002 23 21 2 50 10 0 0 0
7 Viliame Iongi Wing 2011–2016 21 15 6 45 9 0 0 0
Benhur Kivalu Number 8 1998–2005 39 35 4 45 9 0 0 0
Telusa Veainu Wing 2015– 16 15 1 45 9 0 0 0
10 Elisi Vunipola Fly-half 1990–2005 41 40 1 50 8 2 2 0

Last updated: Georgia vs Tonga, 24 November 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Leading point scorers

[edit]

# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop
1 Kurt Morath Fly-half 2009–2021 40 34 6 340 2 48 78 0
2 Pierre Hola Fly-half 1998–2009 39 38 1 322 12 68 42 3
3 Sonatane Takulua Scrum-half 2014–2023 58 53 5 278 17 44 35 0
4 Sateki Tu'ipulotu Fullback 1993–2003 20 19 1 190 5 33 32 1
5 Fangatapu Apikotoa Fly-half 2004–2014 30 20 10 147 2 40 19 0
6 Josh Taumalolo Centre 1996–2007 26 23 3 118 14 6 12 0
7 Kusitafu Tonga Fullback 1996–2001 13 12 1 114 1 32 15 0
8 William Havili Fly-half 2022-present 18 18 0 101 1 27 14 0
9 Vunga Lilo Fullback 2007–2018 44 41 3 87 12 3 7 0
10 Fetuʻu Vainikolo Wing 2011–2016 28 27 1 85 17 0 0 0

Last updated: Georgia vs Tonga, 24 November 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most points in a match

[edit]

# Player Pos Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Opposition Venue Date
1 Pierre Hola Centre 44 2 17 0 0 South Korea Tonga Nuku'alofa 22 March 2003
2 Fangatapu Apikotoa Fly-half 30 2 10 0 0 South Korea New Zealand Henderson 10 February 2007
3 Sateki Tu'ipulotu Fullback 27 1 8 2 0 South Korea South Korea Seoul 4 May 1999
4 Benhur Kivalu Fly-half 25 5 0 0 0 South Korea Tonga Nuku'alofa 22 March 2003
5 Pierre Hola Fullback 24 0 9 1 1 Papua New Guinea Tonga Nuku'alofa 7 December 2002
6 Gustavo Tonga Fullback 23 1 9 0 0 Cook Islands Tonga Nuku'alofa 5 July 1997
7 Viliame Iongi Centre 20 4 0 0 0 United States England Esher 8 June 2011
Kurt Morath Fly-half 20 0 4 4 0 Fiji Fiji Lautoka 2 July 2011
Sonatane Takulua Scrum-half 20 1 3 3 0 Samoa Tonga Nuku'alofa 1 July 2017
10 3 players on 19 points

Last updated: Tonga vs Canada, 14 September 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most tries in a match

[edit]

# Player Pos Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Opposition Venue Date
1 Benhur Kivalu Number 8 25 5 0 0 0 South Korea Tonga Nuku'alofa 22 March 2003
2 Viliame Iongi Wing 20 4 0 0 0 United States England Esher 8 June 2011
3 Josh Taumalolo Fly-half 15 3 0 0 0 Cook Islands Tonga Nuku'alofa 5 July 1997
Josh Taumalolo Fullback 17 3 1 0 0 Georgia Georgia (country) Tbilisi 28 March 1999
Jonathan Koloi Flanker 15 3 0 0 0 South Korea South Korea Seoul 4 May 1999
Viliami Hakalo Wing 15 3 0 0 0 Cook Islands Cook Islands Rarotonga 24 June 2006
Sonatane Takulua Scrum-half 15 3 0 0 0 Hong Kong Australia Sunshine Coast 23 July 2022
8 49 players on 2 tries

Last updated: Tonga vs Canada, 14 September 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most matches as captain

[edit]

# Player Pos Span Mat Won Lost Draw % Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop
1 Nili Latu Flanker 2006–2016 42 15 26 1 36.90 23 4 0 1 0
2 Siale Piutau Wing 2015–2019 19 9 10 0 47.36 22 4 1 0 0
Sonatane Takulua Scrum-half 2017–present 19 6 13 0 25.00 80 8 8 8 0
4 Inoke Afeaki Lock 2001–2003 12 4 8 0 33.33 15 3 0 0 0
5 Fakahau Valu Flanker 1977–1987 11 0 11 0 0.00 12 3 0 0 0
6 Aleki Lutui Hooker 2004–2011 9 1 8 0 11.11 5 1 0 0 0
Elisi Vunipola Fly-half 1999–2001 9 4 5 0 44.44 15 3 0 0 0
8 Sione Mafi Pahulu Number 8 1973–1975 7 1 6 0 14.28 15 3 0 1 0
Ben Tameifuna Prop 2024- 7 1 6 0 17.00 0 0 0 0 0
10 Siaosi Atiola Number 8 1987–1990 6 1 4 1 25.00 4 1 0 0 0

Last updated: Georgia vs Tonga, 24 November 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

# Player Pos Age Opposition Venue Date
1 Elisi Vunipola Fly-half 17 years and 292 days Fiji Tonga Nukualofa 24 March 1990
2 Viliami Hakalo (Wing) 18 years and 182 days Japan Japan Fukuoka 4 June 2006
3 Sione Kalamafoni (Flanker) 18 years and 268 days South Korea New Zealand Henderson 10 February 2007
4 Soane Havea Scrum-half 18 years and 292 days New Zealand New Zealand North Shore City 16 June 2000
5 Semi Taupeaafe Wing 18 years and 317 days Fiji Fiji Suva 11 June 1991
6 Sinali Latu Number 8 18 years and 320 days Fiji Fiji Suva 7 July 1984
7 Unuoi Vaʻenuku Centre 19 years and 51 days France South Africa Pretoria 26 May 1995
8 Pita Alatini Centre 19 years and 119 days Samoa Tonga Nuku'alofa 8 July 1995
9 Tevita 'Ahoafi (Scrum-half) 19 years and 171 days Australia A Australia Sydney 25 May 2007
10 Isi Tapueluelu Centre 19 years and 176 days Fiji Tonga Nuku'alofa 24 March 1990

Last updated: Tonga vs Canada, 14 September 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

# Player Pos Age Opposition Venue Date
1 Fakahau Valu Flanker 37 years and 362 days Ireland Australia Brisbane 3 June 1987
2 Polutele Tu'ihalamaka Lock 37 years and 249 days Canada Australia Napier 24 May 1987
3 Aleki Lutui (Hooker) 37 years and 95 days Argentina England Leicester 4 October 2015
4 Kurt Morath Fly-Half 36 years and 358 days England England London 6 November 2021
5 Joe Tuineau Lock 36 years and 302 days Samoa Fiji Suva 16 June 2018
6 Hale T-Pole Lock 36 years and 152 days Namibia England Exeter 29 September 2015
7 Siegfried Fisi'ihoi Prop 36 years and 122 days Romania France Lille 8 October 2023
8 Elvis Taione Hooker 36 years and 76 days Canada Fiji Lautoka 8 August 2019
9 Rudi Kapeli Hooker 35 years and 311 days Australia Australia Brisbane 4 July 1993
10 Tukulua Lokotui Lock 35 years and 282 days New Zealand England Newcastle 9 October 2015

Last updated: Tonga vs Canada, 14 September 2024. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Tonga usually wears a home kit consisting of a red shirt, white shorts and red socks and an away kit with the reversed colours. In the 1999 Rugby World Cup, Tonga wore an all-red home kit. Since 2007, Tongan traditional designs, similar to the ones found on the tapa cloths, were incorporated on the jersey design.

Kit manufacturers:

Period Kit manufacturer
1974–1980 Umbro
1980–1999 Canterbury
2000–2002 Carisbrook
2003–2005 Sekem
2005–2008 KooGa
2008 Samurai Sportswear**^a**
2008–2010 Aoniu**^b**
2011–2012 KooGa/BLK
2012–2015 Kukri
2016–2020 Mizuno
2021 Siomai Print
2021-present Force XV

| 1987–1995 Home | | 1987–1995 Away | 1999 RWC Home | 2003 Home | | 2003 Away | 2007 Home | 2009 Home | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |

| 2011 Home | | 2015 Home | 2015 Away | 2017 Home | 2017 Away | 2019 Home | 2019 Away | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |

Name Span Mat Won Lost Draw %W
New Zealand David Mullins[10] 1969–1974
Tonga Kelepi Tupou[11] 1983
Tonga Fred Wolfgramm[12] 1985
Tonga Prince Mailefihi 1986–1987
Tonga Peseti Ma'afu[13][14] 1991
Tonga Sione Taumoepeau[15] 1994-1995
Tonga Fakahau Valu 1995
Tonga Rev. Tevita Latailakepa 1998
Tonga Polutele Tuʻihalamaka 1999
New Zealand David Waterston 1999–2000[16]
Tonga Vaita Ueleni 2000–2001
New Zealand Jim Love 2001–2003 19 6 13 0 31.58
Australia Viliami Ofahengaue 2004–2005 8 0 8 0 0.00
Australia Adam Leach 2006–2007 7 5 2 0 71.43
Tonga Quddus Fielea 2007–2010 16 5 11 0 31.25
New Zealand Isitolo Maka 2010–2011 14 7 7 0 50.00
Australia Toutai Kefu (caretaker) 2012 3 1 2 0 33.33
Tonga Mana Otai 2012–2015 24 11 12 1 47.91
Australia Toutai Kefu 2016–2023 51 15 32 0 29.41
Tonga Tevita Tuʻifua 2024–Present

Notable former players

[edit]

‘Otenili Tu‘ipulotu Inoke Afeaki Stanley Afeaki Sona Taumalolo Ipolito Fenukitau Salesi Finau Soane Tongaʻuiha Taufaʻao Filise Aisea Havili Pierre Hola Benhur Kivalu Nili Latu Sililo Martens Maama Molitika Mana Otai Siale Piutau Hale T-Pole Lisiate Tafa Epi Taione Josh Taumalolo
  1. ^ "New Zealand Maori vs Tonga - Match Statistics - Tonga tour in New Zealand 1969 1969 - 15 Aug, 1969 - ESPN".
  2. ^ "The Head Hunters: Tongan rugby". BBC. 10 August 2007. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  3. ^ "The day Wales' hardest rugby players were left sprawled on the floor and running for safety". Wales Online. 16 November 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  4. ^ "Rugby World Cup 2011: France go through despite shock loss to Tonga". Guardian. 1 October 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  5. ^ Haka and Sipi Tau set Lang Park alight ABC
  6. ^ a b "Men's World Rankings". World Rugby. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  7. ^ Tonga rugby stats
  8. ^ MLR trio in Tonga squad for November tests
  9. ^ "Tonga Rugby's Coaching Staff". rnz.co.nz. 15 October 2021.
  10. ^ "Fr David Mullins SM". www.maristmessenger.co.nz. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  11. ^ Tonga 1979 tour of New Zealand squad on The Tonga Chronicle
  12. ^ "2019 Rugby World Cup Ikale Tahi Mate Maa Tonga Supporters Page" – via Facebook.
  13. ^ Fiji wins spot Nuku'alofa Times, 12 July 2017
  14. ^ Photo of the Tonga 1991 squad on The Tonga Chronicle
  15. ^ Rugby Union: Preview of the 16 nations in this summer's World Cup
  16. ^ "Tonga 22 Fiji 25, 2000 Epson Cup - Teivovo.com". fijirugbyunion.com. Retrieved 29 April 2021.