Tonga national rugby union team
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.
| Nickname(s) | ʻIkale Tahi (The Sea Eagles) |
|---|---|
| Emblem | White dove |
| Union | Tonga Rugby Union |
| Head coach | Tevita Tuʻifua |
| Captain | Sonatane Takulua |
| Most caps | Nili Latu (54) |
| Top scorer | Kurt Morath (340) |
| Top try scorer | Fetuʻu Vainikolo (18) |
| Home stadium | Teufaiva Sport Stadium |
| 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 | |
History edit
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.
Sipi Tau edit
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 | Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane | |
| Try: Cole Tindall Pen: McGill | Report | Try: Kavapalu Latu Mafi Pahulu Vave | Attendance: 9,563 Referee: Bob Burnett (Australia) |
| 16 June 1999 | Tonga | 20–16 | France | Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Nukuʻalofa | |
| Try: Taufahema Taumalolo (2) Con: Sateki Tuipulotu Pen: Sateki Tuipulotu | Report | Try: Sarraméa Con: Lamaison Pen: Lamaison (3) | Attendance: 7,000 Referee: Clayton Thomas (Wales) |
| 10 October 1999 | Italy | 25–28 | Tonga | Welford Road, Leicester | |
| Try: Moscardi Con: Domínguez Pen: Domínguez (6) | Report | Try: Fatani Taufahema Sateki Tuipulotu Con: Sateki Tuipulotu (2) Pen: Sateki Tuipulotu (2) Drop: Sateki Tuipulotu | Attendance: 10,244 Referee: Dave McHugh (Ireland) |
| 1 October 2011 | France | 14–19 | Tonga | Westpac Stadium, Wellington | |
| Try: Clerc 80' m Pen: Yachvili (3/3) 1', 23', 49' | Report | Try: Hufanga 26' c Con: Morath (1/1) 28' Pen: Morath (4/8) 6', 35', 66', 72' | Attendance: 32,763 Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia) |
Overall record edit
| Top 20 as of 18 March 2024[6] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Change* | Team | Points | |
| 1 | South Africa | 94.54 | ||
| 2 | Ireland | 90.69 | ||
| 3 | New Zealand | 89.80 | ||
| 4 | France | 87.92 | ||
| 5 | England | 85.75 | ||
| 6 | Scotland | 82.82 | ||
| 7 | Argentina | 80.68 | ||
| 8 | 1 | Italy | 79.41 | |
| 9 | 1 | Australia | 77.48 | |
| 10 | 2 | Wales | 77.26 | |
| 11 | Fiji | 76.38 | ||
| 12 | Japan | 74.27 | ||
| 13 | Georgia | 74.02 | ||
| 14 | Samoa | 72.23 | ||
| 15 | 1 | Tonga | 71.57 | |
| 16 | 1 | Portugal | 70.28 | |
| 17 | United States | 67.94 | ||
| 18 | Uruguay | 67.39 | ||
| 19 | Spain | 64.37 | ||
| 20 | Romania | 61.66 | ||
| * Change from the previous week | ||||
| Tonga's historical rankings | ||||
See or edit source data. | ||||
| Source: World Rugby[6] Graph updated to 4 March 2024 | ||||
Below is table of the representative rugby matches played by a Tongan national XV at test level up until 8 October 2023.[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 | 25.00% | 42 | 167 | −125 |
| Australia A | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 25% | 71 | 210 | −139 |
| Canada | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 45.45% | 238 | 254 | −16 |
| Chile | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 71 | 40 | +31 |
| Cook Islands | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 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 | 94 | 27 | 64 | 3 | 28.72% | 1257 | 1881 | −624 |
| France | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 33.33% | 96 | 172 | −76 |
| French Barbarians | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 67.00% | 94 | 107 | -13 |
| Georgia | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 33.33% | 141 | 119 | +22 |
| Hong Kong | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 44 | 22 | +22 |
| Ireland | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.00% | 44 | 131 | −87 |
| Italy | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 40.00% | 82 | 154 | −72 |
| Ivory Coast | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 29 | 11 | +18 |
| Japan | 18 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 50.00% | 453 | 459 | −6 |
| Namibia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 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 | 100.00% | 131 | 26 | +105 |
| Portugal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 24 | 19 | +5 |
| Romania | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 60% | 129 | 111 | +18 |
| Samoa | 69 | 27 | 38 | 4 | 39.13% | 1028 | 1291 | −263 |
| 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 | 100.00% | 92 | 3 | +89 |
| South Korea | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 464 | 66 | +398 |
| South Africa | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.00% | 53 | 153 | −100 |
| Spain | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 68 | 19 | +49 |
| Tahiti | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 74 | 0 | +74 |
| Uruguay | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 43 | 19 | +24 |
| United States | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 88.89% | 272 | 153 | +119 |
| 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 | 100.00% | 42 | 13 | +29 |
| Total | 315 | 121 | 187 | 7 | 38.41% | 6034 | 7622 | −1588 |
World Cup record edit
| Rugby World Cup | Qualification | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | Squad | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1987 | Pool stage | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 29 | 98 | Squad | Invited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1991 | Did not qualify | 3rd | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 64 | 62 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1995 | Pool stage | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 44 | 90 | Squad | 1st | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 34 | 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1999 | Pool stage | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 47 | 171 | Squad | 4th | 7 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 317 | 241 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2003 | Pool stage | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 46 | 178 | Squad | 3rd | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 398 | 178 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007 | Pool stage | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 89 | 96 | Squad | 3rd | 7 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 329 | 136 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011 | Pool stage | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 80 | 98 | Squad | Automatically qualified | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | Pool stage | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 70 | 130 | Squad | Automatically qualified | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | Pool stage | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 67 | 105 | Squad | 2nd | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 68 | 93 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | Pool stage | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 96 | 177 | Squad | 2nd | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 126 | 111 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Pool stage | 33 | 9 | 0 | 24 | 568 | 1,143 | 35 | 14 | 0 | 21 | 1,336 | 847 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 | 2 | 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 |
| Total | 14 | 1 | 36 | 0 titles |
Players edit
Current squad edit
On 21 August, Tonga announced their 33-player squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Head Coach: Tevita Tuʻifua
- Caps Updated: 21 August 2023
Coaches edit
Current coaching staff edit
The current coaching staff of the Tongan national team:[8]
| Name | Nationality | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Lano Fonua | TON | Manager |
| Toutai Kefu | AUS | Head coach |
| Grant Doorey | AUS | Assistant coach (Defence) |
| John McKee | NZL | Assistant coach (Attack) |
| Semisi Fonua | TON | Strength & Conditioning coach |
| Alejandro Pastor | ARG | Strength & Conditioning coach |
| Dr. Penisimani Poloniati | TON | Team doctor |
| LeeVan Santos | NZL | Head Physiotherapist |
| Siosaia Vakasiuola | TON | Physiotherapist |
| Joh Fifita | TON | Performance Analyst |
| Declan Oorloff | AUS | Performance Analyst |
Individual all-time records edit
Most caps edit
| # | Player | Pos | Span | Mat | Start | Sub | Pts | Tries | Conv | Pens | Drop | Won | Lost | Draw | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sonatane Takulua | Scrum-half | 2014–present | 55 | 50 | 5 | 278 | 17 | 44 | 36 | 0 | 21 | 33 | 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–present | 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 | |
| 10 | Aleki Lutui | Hooker | 1999–2015 | 38 | 30 | 8 | 25 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 25 | 1 | 32.89 |
Last updated: Tonga vs Romania, 8 October 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.
Most tries edit
| # | Player | Pos | Span | Mat | Start | Sub | Pts | Tries | Conv | Pens | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sonatane Takulua | Scrum-half | 2014–present | 55 | 50 | 5 | 278 | 17 | 44 | 36 | 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 | 2015–2022 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 45 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 10 | Elisi Vunipola | Fly-half | 1990–2005 | 41 | 40 | 1 | 50 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Last updated: Tonga vs Romania, 8 October 2023. 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–present | 55 | 50 | 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 | Vunga Lilo | Fullback | 2007–2018 | 44 | 41 | 3 | 87 | 12 | 3 | 7 | 0 |
| 9 | William Havili | Fly-half | 2022-present | 14 | 14 | 0 | 85 | 1 | 22 | 12 | 0 |
| Fetuʻu Vainikolo | Wing | 2011–2016 | 28 | 27 | 1 | 85 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Last updated: Tonga vs Romania, 8 October 2023. 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 | Nuku'alofa | 22 March 2003 |
| 2 | Fangatapu Apikotoa | Fly-half | 30 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 0 | South Korea | Henderson | 10 February 2007 |
| 3 | Sateki Tu'ipulotu | Fullback | 27 | 1 | 8 | 2 | 0 | South Korea | Seoul | 4 May 1999 |
| 4 | Benhur Kivalu | Fly-half | 25 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | South Korea | Nuku'alofa | 22 March 2003 |
| 5 | Pierre Hola | Fullback | 24 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 1 | Papua New Guinea | Nuku'alofa | 7 December 2002 |
| 6 | Gustavo Tonga | Fullback | 23 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 | Cook Islands | Nuku'alofa | 5 July 1997 |
| 7 | Viliame Iongi | Centre | 20 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | United States | Esher | 8 June 2011 |
| Kurt Morath | Fly-half | 20 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | Fiji | Lautoka | 2 July 2011 | |
| Sonatane Takulua | Scrum-half | 20 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | Samoa | Nuku'alofa | 1 July 2017 | |
| 10 | 3 players on 19 points | |||||||||
Last updated: Tonga vs Romania, 8 October 2023. 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 | Nuku'alofa | 22 March 2003 |
| 2 | Viliame Iongi | Wing | 20 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | United States | Esher | 8 June 2011 |
| 3 | Josh Taumalolo | Fly-half | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Cook Islands | Nuku'alofa | 5 July 1997 |
| Josh Taumalolo | Fullback | 17 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Georgia | Tbilisi | 28 March 1999 | |
| Jonathan Koloi | Flanker | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | South Korea | Seoul | 4 May 1999 | |
| Viliami Hakalo | Wing | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Cook Islands | Raratonga | 24 June 2006 | |
| Sonatane Takulua | Scrum-half | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Hong Kong | Sunshine Coast | 23 July 2022 | |
| 8 | 49 players on 2 tries | |||||||||
Last updated: Tonga vs Romania, 8 October 2023. 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 |
| 9 | Siaosi Atiola | Number 8 | 1987–1990 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 25.00 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | Mana Otai | Number 8 | 1995 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 60.00 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fe'ao Vunipola | Hooker | 1994–1998 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 40.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Last updated: Tonga vs Romania, 8 October 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.
Youngest players edit
| # | Player | Pos | Age | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elisi Vunipola | Fly-half | 17 years and 292 days | Fiji | Nukualofa | 24 March 1990 |
| 2 | Viliami Hakalo | (Wing) | 18 years and 182 days | Japan | Fukuoka | 4 June 2006 |
| 3 | Sione Kalamafoni | (Flanker) | 18 years and 268 days | South Korea | Henderson | 10 February 2007 |
| 4 | Soane Havea | Scrum-half | 18 years and 292 days | New Zealand | North Shore City | 16 June 2000 |
| 5 | Semi Taupeaafe | Wing | 18 years and 317 days | Fiji | Suva | 11 June 1991 |
| 6 | Sinali Latu | Number 8 | 18 years and 320 days | Fiji | Suva | 7 July 1984 |
| 7 | Unuoi Vaʻenuku | Centre | 19 years and 51 days | France | Pretoria | 26 May 1995 |
| 8 | Pita Alatini | Centre | 19 years and 119 days | Samoa | Nuku'alofa | 8 July 1995 |
| 9 | Tevita 'Ahoafi | (Scrum-half) | 19 years and 171 days | Australia A | Sydney | 25 May 2007 |
| 10 | Isi Tapueluelu | Centre | 19 years and 176 days | Fiji | Nuku'alofa | 24 March 1990 |
Last updated: Tonga vs Romania, 8 October 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.
Oldest players edit
| # | Player | Pos | Age | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fakahau Valu | Flanker | 37 years and 362 days | Ireland | Brisbane | 3 June 1987 |
| 2 | Polutele Tu'ihalamaka | Lock | 37 years and 249 days | Canada | Napier | 24 May 1987 |
| 3 | Aleki Lutui | (Hooker) | 37 years and 95 days | Argentina | Leicester | 4 October 2015 |
| 4 | Kurt Morath | Fly-Half | 36 years and 358 days | England | London | 6 November 2021 |
| 5 | Joe Tuineau | Lock | 36 years and 302 days | Samoa | Suva | 16 June 2018 |
| 6 | Hale T-Pole | Lock | 36 years and 152 days | Namibia | Exeter | 29 September 2015 |
| 7 | Siegfried Fisi'ihoi | Prop | 36 years and 122 days | Romania | Lille | 8 October 2023 |
| 8 | Elvis Taione | Hooker | 36 years and 76 days | Canada | Lautoka | 8 August 2019 |
| 9 | Rudi Kapeli | Hooker | 35 years and 311 days | Australia | Brisbane | 4 July 1993 |
| 10 | Tukulua Lokotui | Lock | 35 years and 282 days | New Zealand | Newcastle | 9 October 2015 |
Last updated: Tonga vs Romania, 8 October 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.
Kit history edit
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 |
- ^a Tonga wore Samurai Sportswear kits in the matches against Maori All Blacks and Japan in 2008
- ^b Tonga wore kits manufactured by the local brand Aoniu in the 2008 end-of-year international tours.
| 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 |
Coaches edit
| Name | Span | Mat | Won | Lost | Draw | %W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Mullins[9] | 1969–1974 | |||||
| Kelepi Tupou[10] | 1983 | |||||
| Fred Wolfgramm[11] | 1985 | |||||
| Prince Mailefihi | 1986–1987 | |||||
| Peseti Ma'afu[12][13] | 1991 | |||||
| Sione Taumoepeau[14] | 1994-1995 | |||||
| Fakahau Valu | 1995 | |||||
| Rev. Tevita Latailakepa | 1998 | |||||
| Polutele Tuʻihalamaka | 1999 | |||||
| David Waterston | 1999–2000[15] | |||||
| Vaita Ueleni | 2000–2001 | |||||
| Jim Love | 2001–2003 | 19 | 6 | 13 | 0 | 31.58 |
| Willie Ofahengaue | 2004–2005 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Adam Leach | 2006–2007 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 71.43 |
| Quddus Fielea | 2007–2010 | 16 | 5 | 11 | 0 | 31.25 |
| Isitolo Maka | 2010–2011 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Toutai Kefu (caretaker) | 2012 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Mana Otai | 2012–2015 | 24 | 11 | 12 | 1 | 47.91 |
| Toutai Kefu | 2016–2023 | 51 | 15 | 32 | 0 | 29.41 |
| Tevita Tuʻifua | 2024–Present |
Notable former players edit
See also edit
Notes edit
- ^ "New Zealand Maori vs Tonga - Match Statistics - Tonga tour in New Zealand 1969 1969 - 15 Aug, 1969 - ESPN".
- ^ "The Head Hunters: Tongan rugby". BBC. 10 August 2007. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Rugby World Cup 2011: France go through despite shock loss to Tonga". Guardian. 1 October 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
- ^ Haka and Sipi Tau set Lang Park alight ABC
- ^ a b "Men's World Rankings". World Rugby. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
- ^ Tonga rugby stats
- ^ "Tonga Rugby's Coaching Staff". rnz.co.nz. 15 October 2021.
- ^ "Fr David Mullins SM". www.maristmessenger.co.nz. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
- ^ Tonga 1979 tour of New Zealand squad on The Tonga Chronicle
- ^ "2019 Rugby World Cup Ikale Tahi Mate Maa Tonga Supporters Page" – via Facebook.
- ^ Fiji wins spot Nuku'alofa Times, 12 July 2017
- ^ Photo of the Tonga 1991 squad on The Tonga Chronicle
- ^ Rugby Union: Preview of the 16 nations in this summer's World Cup
- ^ "Tonga 22 Fiji 25, 2000 Epson Cup - Teivovo.com". fijirugbyunion.com. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
Sources edit
- Tongan rugby history (from the BBC)
- The good and bad of Tonga (from the BBC)
External links edit
- Official site
- Tongan rugby union news from Planet Rugby
- Details on Rugby WC's squads
- Supporters website of The Pacific Islanders Rugby Team