Tonga v Fiji in the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup clash in Nuku’alofa. 6 September 2024
Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
The ‘Ikale Tahi will host the Queensland Reds at Te’ufaiva Park on 15 August in a game the Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) believes will be critical for their rugby in more ways than one.
TRU chief executive Aisea Aholelei said apart from the Reds taking top rugby to local fans to watch, having the Reds continuing with the partnership will be a big boost for the sport as a whole.
He said there is also the important pre-Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) clash, which will double-up as a 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifier, that the national side needs testing for before they compete in the series.
“The visit from the Reds is not only keeping historical ties close between the two organisations, but also it has come at a very critical time in supporting the preparation of the ‘Ikale Tahi team in their campaign to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2027, which starts with the game against Manu Samoa the week following the Reds game in Nuku’alofa,” Aholelei said.
The Reds started the visits last year, which marked the their first match up in 29 years.
The Reds won last year’s match against Tonga 41-14 after trailing 14-12 in the first half.
With the support of the Australian government, Rugby Australia, and the Reds through the PacificAus Sports-funded Australia-Pacific Rugby Union Partnership (APRUP), Aholelei said the partnership helps bring the nations closer together through a shared love of rugby union.
Tongans who have played for the Reds in the past includes current Wallaby Taniela Tupou, brothers Toutai and Steve Kefu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Feao Fotuaika and former Wallaby star George Smith.
The visit will include community activities in Tonga.
Reds head coach Les Kiss – the man selected to become the new Wallabies coach – said Tonga will be a tough team on the field, especially since the ‘Ikale Tahi will be using the game as their warm-up before they face Manua Samoa in the PNC 2025 opener.
“We are again extremely grateful to PacificAus Sports for creating this opportunity to play in Tonga,” Kiss said in a Queensland Rugby statement.
“We know the size and explosiveness of the Tongan side and the importance of the game as their final hit-out before Rugby World Cup qualifiers in the Pacific Nations Cup.
“That offers a great challenge for the Reds to test ourselves against a different game style and develop our squad.
“This continued international exposure is part of our strategy to take charge of developing our players and staff which can only be a plus.”
Reds winger Tim Ryan, who also played in Tonga last year, said he was excited for having the opportunity to meet the Tongans for the second time.
“Playing in Tonga last year was a great experience and will be again. Obviously, we are up against big boys and a national team which is a good step up for guys in the Reds squad like me,” Ryan said.
“I’ve been lucky to have experienced international games against Wales, Tonga, Bristol, Ulster and the Lions over the past year or so. Some kick a bit more, others like the Tongans will back their power and running more.
“It’s a real positive to play against different styles and feel prepared.”
Sports diplomacy
Australian High Commissioner to Tonga Brek Batley said that the match is part of Australia’s commitment to sport in Tonga.
“Tonga and Australia’s shared love of sport is a powerful connection between our two countries, and our friendly rivalry inspires kids to reach for their dreams,” he said.
“The Australian Government provides Tonga’s impressive athletes, as well as its coaches, officials and administrators, with access to international sporting opportunities through PacificAus Sports and strengthens Tongan communities through our Team Up sport for development program.
“We’re proud to be Tonga’s largest sporting partner and support grassroots opportunities for boys and girls all the way through to elite pathways. Bring on the Reds!”
Queensland Rugby CEO David Hanham said regular interactions with the Pacific’s rugby nations were of mutual benefit.
“Deepening the ties with our friends in Tonga is important on and off the field,” Hanham said.
“As part of the Reds tour last year, there was a wonderful moment when Wallaby great George Smith returned to his old school at Tupou College for a rugby clinic. You could see what it meant to the kids and to George.
“Playing Tonga is an important part of the International Program we are building at the Reds and we would like to thank everyone, including our Queensland Premier Rugby clubs, who have contributed to the staging of this game.”
The ‘Ikale Tahi were camping in Auckland and flew back home on Tuesday to prepare for the Reds and Manu Samoa.