Wikipedia

Tonga national rugby union team

The Tonga national rugby union team (Tongan: timi feohi ʻakapulu fakafonua ʻa Tonga) represents Tonga in men's international rugby union. The team is nicknamed ʻIkale Tahi (Sea Eagles) and is governed by the Tonga Rugby Union. Like their Polynesian neighbours, the Tongans precede 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.

Tonga
Shirt badge/Association crest
NicknameʻIkale Tahi (The Sea Eagles)
EmblemWhite dove
UnionTonga Rugby Union
Head coachTevita Tuʻifua
CaptainBen Tameifuna
Most capsSonatane Takulua (58)
Top scorerKurt Morath (340)
Top try scorerFetuʻu Vainikolo & Sonatane Takulua (17)
Home stadiumTeufaiva Sport Stadium
First colours
Second colours
World Rugby ranking
Current19 (as of 18 November 2024)
Highest9 (2011, 2012)
Lowest20 (2005, 2006)
First international
 Tonga 9–6 Fiji 
(Nukuʻalofa, Tonga; 25 August 1924)
Biggest win
 Tonga 119–0 South Korea 
(Nukuʻalofa, 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
Appearances9 (first in 1987)
Best resultPool stage (1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023)
Medal record
Pacific Games
Gold medal – first place1979 Suva
Silver medal – second place1963 Suva
Bronze medal – third place1983 Apia

History

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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 paralysed.

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

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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 New Zealand, the All Blacks began their traditional haka, and then Tonga answered to the haka through the Sipi Tau while the All Blacks were performing, bringing the teams within metres of one another just prior to kick-off.[5]

Performance

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Overall record

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Men's World Rugby Rankings
Top 20 as of 20 July 2026[6]
RankChange[i]TeamPoints
1 Steady South Africa93.96
2 Steady New Zealand92.28
3 Steady Ireland88.08
4 Steady France87.43
5 Steady England85.68
6 Steady Scotland84.78
7 Steady Argentina83.13
8 Steady Australia81.61
9 Steady Fiji78.00
10 Increase1 Japan76.42
11 Increase1 Wales76.38
12 Decrease2 Italy76.30
13 Steady Georgia73.94
14 Steady United States70.22
15 Steady Portugal69.39
16 Increase2 Chile66.94
17 Decrease1 Spain66.83
18 Decrease1 Uruguay65.75
19 Increase1 Tonga65.14
20 Decrease1 Samoa64.73
21 Increase1 Romania62.45
22 Decrease1 Belgium61.03
23 Increase1 Hong Kong60.74
24 Decrease1 Canada60.37
25 Steady Zimbabwe57.68
26 Steady Namibia56.96
27 Steady Netherlands56.44
28 Steady  Switzerland55.47
29 Steady Czech Republic54.78
30 Steady Poland54.54
  1. ↑ Change from the previous week
Tonga's historical rankings
date810121416182010/6/200310/19/200911/2/201511/15/2021TongaMen's World Rugby rankings
Source: World Rugby[6]
Graph updated to 16 February 2026

Below is table of the representative rugby matches played by a Tongan national XV at test level up until 17 October 2025.[7]

Opponent Played Won Lost Drawn Win % For Aga Diff
 Argentina20200.00%2873−45
 Australia413025%42167−125
 Australia A413025%71210−139
 Canada1376053.85%303295+8
 Chile2200100%7140+31
 Cook Islands4400100%28932+257
 England40400.00%36241−205
 England Saxons10100.00%1441−27
 Fiji962766328.13%1,2861,963−677
 France624033.33%96172−76
France French Barbarians321066.67%94107-13
 Georgia725028.57%141119+22
 Hong Kong1100100%4422+22
 Ireland30300.00%44131−87
 Italy624033.33%96190−94
 Ivory Coast1100100%2911+18
 Japan20911045%493542−49
 Namibia2200100%5535+20
 New Caledonia1100100.00%583+55
 New Zealand70700.00%42519−477
 Junior All Blacks30300.00%48124−76
 Māori1248033.33%165319−154
 Papua New Guinea2200100%13126+105
 Portugal1100100%2419+5
 Romania633050%144136+8
 Samoa712839439.44%1,0751,350−275
 Scotland615016.67%89241−152
 Scotland XV20200.00%1367−54
 Solomon Islands1100100%923+89
 South Korea6600100%46466+398
 South Africa30300.00%53153−100
 Spain321066.67%8848+40
 Tahiti1100100%740+74
 Uruguay1100100%4319+24
 United States1192081.82%289189+100
 Wales90900.00%108301−193
 Wales XV10100.00%726−19
 Zimbabwe1100100%4213+29
Total327124196737.92%6,2818,013−1,732

World Cup record

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Rugby World Cup record Qualification
Year Round Pld W D L PF PA Squad Pos Pld W D L PF PA
New Zealand Australia 1987 Pool stage 3 0 0 3 29 98 Squad 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 P/O 2 1 0 1 34 26
Wales 1999 3 1 0 2 47 171 Squad P/O 9 5 0 4 341 178
Australia 2003 4 0 0 4 46 178 Squad P/O 8 4 0 4 398 178
France 2007 4 2 0 2 89 96 Squad P/O 7 3 0 4 329 136
New Zealand 2011 4 2 0 2 80 98 Squad Automatically qualified
England 2015 4 1 0 3 70 130 Squad
Japan 2019 4 1 0 3 67 105 Squad 2nd 4 1 0 3 68 93
France 2023 4 1 0 3 96 177 Squad P/O 4 2 0 2 126 111
Australia 2027 Qualified 1st 4 2 0 2 99 134
United States 2031 To be determined To be determined
Total — 33 9 0 24 568 1143 — — 41 19 0 22 1398 832
  •   Champions
  •   Runners–up
  •   Third place
  •   Fourth place
  •   Home venue

Pacific Nations Cup

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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.

TournamentWonDrawnLostTonga finish
20062024th / 5
20071045th / 6
20081046th / 6
20090045th / 5
20100034th / 4
20112012nd / 4
20121023rd / 4
20132023rd / 5
20140113rd / 3
20153013rd / 6
20160023rd / 3
20171012nd / 3
20181012nd / 4
20191025th / 6
20220034th / 4
20241025th / 6
20252023rd / 6
Total181370 titles

Wins against Tier 1 nations

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Tonga have recorded six wins against tier 1 opposition.

30 June 1973 Australia  11–16 Tonga 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 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 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: David McHugh (Ireland)
1 October 2011 France  14–19 Tonga 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)
24 November 2012 Scotland  15–21 Tonga Tonga Pittodrie, Aberdeen  
Pen: Laidlaw (5/7) 10', 38', 46', 55', 61'
 Report Try: Lokotui 51' c
Vainikolo 65' m
Con: Apikotoa (1/2) 52'
Pen: Apikotoa (3/5) 5', 64', 72'
 Attendance: 20,306
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
26 November 2016 Italy  17–19  Tonga Stadio Euganeo, Padua  
15:00 CET (UTC+1) Try: Cittadini 12' c
Allan 54' c
Con: Canna (1/1) 13'
Allan (1/1) 55'
Pen: Padovani (1/1) 77'
 Report Try: Piutau 51' c
Con: Takulua (1/1) 53'
Pen: Takulua (4/5) 32', 45', 77', 80'
 Attendance: 18,125
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

Players

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Current squad

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On 21 June, Tonga named a 29-player squad ahead of the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup Americas-Pacific Series.[8]

Head coach: Tonga Tevita Tuʻifua

  • Caps Updated: 18 July 2026 (after Tonga v Portugal)
Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Jay Fonokalafi Hooker (1995-12-09) 9 December 1995 (age 30) 5 New Zealand Ponsonby
Sam Moli Hooker (1998-12-24) 24 December 1998 (age 27) 25 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Sekope Lopeti-Moli Hooker (1996-08-12) 12 August 1996 (age 30) 6 Wales Dragons
Siegfried Fisiʻihoi Prop (1987-06-08) 8 June 1987 (age 39) 35 France Massy
Phil Kite Prop (1993-04-23) 23 April 1993 (age 33) 4 France Colomiers
Paula Latu Prop (1996-02-14) 14 February 1996 (age 30) 8 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Atu Moli Prop (1995-06-12) 12 June 1995 (age 31) 3 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Fatongia Paea Prop (1999-09-04) 4 September 1999 (age 26) 3 New Zealand Pakuranga United
Tevita Ahokovi Lock 8 Australia Sydney University
Mahonri Ngakuru Lock (2000-01-02) 2 January 2000 (age 26) 3 New Zealand Mount Maunganui
Veikoso Poloniati Lock (1995-08-27) 27 August 1995 (age 30) 9 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Lotu Inisi Back row (1999-04-26) 26 April 1999 (age 27) 13 New Zealand Takapuna
Otunuku Pauta Back row (1999-02-13) 13 February 1999 (age 27) 3 France Béziers
Semisi Paea Back row (1999-04-17) 17 April 1999 (age 27) 12 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Sam Tuitupou Back row (2005-02-24) 24 February 2005 (age 21) 3 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Sione Tuipulotu Back row (1997-12-02) 2 December 1997 (age 28) 9 Japan AZ-Momotaro's
Jimmy Tupou Back row (1992-08-08) 8 August 1992 (age 34) 3 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Aisea Halo Scrum-half (1993-06-29) 29 June 1993 (age 33) 12 South Korea KEPCO
Siaosi Nginingini Scrum-half (1998-10-17) 17 October 1998 (age 27) 6 New Zealand Moana Pasifika]
Sonatane Takulua Scrum-half (1991-01-11) 11 January 1991 (age 35) 65 France Carcassonne
William Havili Fly-half (1998-09-09) 9 September 1998 (age 27) 18 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Otumaka Mausia Fly-half (1997-04-22) 22 April 1997 (age 29) 14 England Cambridge
Patrick Pellegrini Fly-half (1998-09-28) 28 September 1998 (age 27) 19 New Zealand Moana Pasifika
Solomone Kata Centre (1994-12-03) 3 December 1994 (age 31) 18 England Leicester Tigers
Fetuli Paea Centre (1994-08-16) 16 August 1994 (age 32) 20 Wales Dragons
John Tapueluelu Centre (1999-04-07) 7 April 1999 (age 27) 13 New Zealand Alhambra
Sione Tui Centre (1999-07-08) 8 July 1999 (age 27) 1 France Provence
Taniela Filimone Wing (1999-06-01) 1 June 1999 (age 27) 8 New Zealand Hurricanes
Fine Inisi Wing (1998-05-19) 19 May 1998 (age 28) 20 Wales Dragons
Anzelo Tuitavuki Wing (1998-10-10) 10 October 1998 (age 27) 10 France Colomiers
Telusa Veainu Fullback (1990-12-26) 26 December 1990 (age 35) 18 England Doncaster Knights

Coaches

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Current coaching staff

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

Name Nationality Role
Tilitili Puloka TONManager
Tevita Tuʻifua TONHead Coach
Nili Latu TONAssistant Coach
Pauliasi Manu TONScrum Coach
Joe Tuineau TONLineout Coach
Viliami Maʻafu TONDefence Coach
Kurt Morath TONSkills Coach
Isi Fatani TONBreakdown Coach
Semisi Fonua TONStrength & Conditioning coach
Joh Fifita TONPerformance Analyst
Dr. Penisimani Poloniati TONTeam doctor
Siosaia Vakasiuola TONPhysiotherapist

Individual all-time records

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Most caps

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# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Won Lost Draw %
1Sonatane TakuluaScrum-half2014–present6659728819443502540137.88
2Nili LatuFlanker2006–2017484712850101928140.62
3Vunga LiloFullback2007–20184441387123701925043.18
4Siale PiutauWing2011–2019434123261001725140.69
Ben TameifunaProp2017-present4333102040001429032.56
6Steve MafiLock2010–20234231111020002022048.42
7Elisi VunipolaFly-half1990–2005414015082201526036.58
8Kurt MorathFly-half2009–2021403463402487801822047.36
9Pierre HolaFly-half1998–20093938132212684231920048.72
Benhur KivaluNumber 81998–2005393544080001424137.17

Last updated: Tonga vs Portugal, 18 July 2026. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most tries

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# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop
1Sonatane TakuluaScrum-half2014–present665972881944350
2Fetuʻu VainikoloWing2011–2016282718517000
3Josh TaumaloloCentre1996–200726233118146120
4Pierre HolaFly-half1998–2009393813221268423
Vunga LiloFullback2007–2018444138712370
6Telusa VeainuWing2015–present181715511000
7Fepikou TatafuCentre1996–2002232125010000
8Viliame IongiWing2011–201621156459000
Benhur KivaluNumber 81998–200539354459000
10Elisi VunipolaFly-half1990–200541401508220

Last updated: Tonga vs Portugal, 18 July 2026. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Leading point scorers

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# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop
1Kurt MorathFly-half2009–202140346340248780
2Pierre HolaFly-half1998–2009393813221268423
3Sonatane TakuluaScrum-half2014–present665972881944350
4Sateki TuipulotuFullback1993–200320191190533321
5Fangatapu ApikotoaFly-half2004–2014302010147240190
6Josh TaumaloloCentre1996–200726233118146120
7Kusitafu TongaFullback1996–200113121114132150
8Patrick PellegriniFly-half2023-present20146110526110
9William HaviliFly-half2022-present2020087123120
Vunga LiloFullback2007–2018444138712370

Last updated: Tonga vs Portugal, 18 July 2026. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most points in a match

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# Player Pos Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Opposition Venue Date
1Pierre HolaCentre4421700 South KoreaTonga Nukuʻalofa22 March 2003
2Fangatapu ApikotoaFly-half3021000 South KoreaNew Zealand Henderson10 February 2007
3Sateki TuipulotuFullback271820 South KoreaSouth Korea Seoul4 May 1999
4Benhur KivaluNumber 8255000 South KoreaTonga Nukuʻalofa22 March 2003
Patrick PellegriniFly-half253500 CanadaUnited States Salt Lake City20 September 2025
6Pierre HolaFullback240911 Papua New GuineaTonga Nukuʻalofa7 December 2002
7Gustavo TongaFullback231900 Cook IslandsTonga Nukuʻalofa5 July 1997
8Viliame IongiCentre204000 United StatesEngland Esher8 June 2011
Kurt MorathFly-half200440 FijiFiji Lautoka2 July 2011
Sonatane TakuluaScrum-half201330 SamoaTonga Nukuʻalofa1 July 2017

Last updated: Tonga vs Zimbabwe, 4 July 2026. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most tries in a match

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# Player Pos Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Opposition Venue Date
1Benhur KivaluNumber 8255000 South KoreaTonga Nukuʻalofa22 March 2003
2Viliame IongiWing204000 United StatesEngland Esher8 June 2011
3Josh TaumaloloFly-half153000 Cook IslandsTonga Nukuʻalofa5 July 1997
Josh TaumaloloFullback173100 GeorgiaGeorgia (country) Tbilisi28 March 1999
Jonathan KoloiFlanker153000 South KoreaSouth Korea Seoul4 May 1999
Viliami HakaloWing153000 Cook IslandsCook Islands Rarotonga24 June 2006
Sonatane TakuluaScrum-half153000 Hong KongAustralia Sunshine Coast23 July 2022
Patrick PellegriniFly-half253500 CanadaUnited States Salt Lake City20 September 2025
949 players on 2 tries

Last updated: Tonga vs Zimbabwe, 4 July 2026. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Most matches as captain

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# Player Pos Span Mat Won Lost Draw % Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop
1Nili LatuFlanker2006–2016421526136.90234010
2Sonatane TakuluaScrum-half2017–present21714033.33859880
3Siale PiutauWing2015–201919910047.36224100
4Inoke AfeakiLock2001–20031248033.33153000
5Ben TameifunaProp2024-1138027.2751000
Fakahau ValuFlanker1977–19871101100.00123000
7Aleki LutuiHooker2004–2011918011.1151000
Elisi VunipolaFly-half1999–2001945044.44153000
9Sione Mafi PahuluNumber 81973–1975716014.28153010
10Siaosi AtiolaNumber 81987–1990614125.0041000

Last updated: Tonga vs Spain, 11 July 2026. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Youngest players

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# Player Pos Age Opposition Venue Date
1Elisi VunipolaFly-half17 years and 292 days FijiTonga Nukualofa24 March 1990
2Viliami Hakalo(Wing)18 years and 182 days JapanJapan Fukuoka4 June 2006
3Sione Kalamafoni(Flanker)18 years and 268 days South KoreaNew Zealand Henderson10 February 2007
4Soane HaveaScrum-half18 years and 292 days New ZealandNew Zealand North Shore City16 June 2000
5Semi TaupeaafeWing18 years and 317 days FijiFiji Suva11 June 1991
6Sinali LatuNumber 818 years and 320 days FijiFiji Suva7 July 1984
7Unuoi VaʻenukuCentre19 years and 51 days FranceSouth Africa Pretoria26 May 1995
8Pita AlatiniCentre19 years and 119 days SamoaTonga Nukuʻalofa8 July 1995
9Tevita ʻAhoafi(Scrum-half)19 years and 171 days Australia AAustralia Sydney25 May 2007
10Isi TapuelueluCentre19 years and 176 days FijiTonga Nukuʻalofa24 March 1990

Last updated: Tonga vs Samoa, 22 August 2025. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Oldest players

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# Player Pos Age Opposition Venue Date
1Sitaleki Timani(Lock)39 years and 73 days ScotlandScotland Edinburgh23 November 2025
2Siegfried FisiʻihoiProp39 years and 44 days PortugalCanada Winnipeg18 July 2026
3Polutele TuʻihalamakaLock37 years and 249 days CanadaAustralia Napier24 May 1987
4Aleki Lutui(Hooker)37 years and 95 days ArgentinaEngland Leicester4 October 2015
5Kurt MorathFly-Half36 years and 358 days EnglandEngland London6 November 2021
6Fakahau ValuFlanker36 years and 347 days IrelandAustralia Brisbane3 June 1987
7Joe TuineauLock36 years and 302 days SamoaFiji Suva16 June 2018
8Siosiua MoalaFlanker36 years and 178 days ScotlandScotland Edinburgh23 November 2025
9Hale T-PoleLock36 years and 152 days NamibiaEngland Exeter29 September 2015
10Elvis TaioneHooker36 years and 76 days CanadaFiji Lautoka8 August 2019

Last updated: Tonga vs Portugal, 18 July 2026. Statistics include officially capped matches only.

Kit history

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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
1974–1980Umbro
1980–1999Canterbury
2000–2002Carisbrook
2003–2005Sekem
2005–2008KooGa
2008Field to Podium ^a
2008Samurai Sportswear^a
2008Samurai Sportswear^a
2008–2010Aoniu^b
2011–2012KooGa/BLK
2012–2015Kukri
2016–2020Mizuno
2021Siomai Print
2021-2023Force XV
2024--presentTalatā Sports Wear
  • ^a Tonga wore Samurai Sportswear kits in the matches against Maori All Blacks and Japan in 2008
  • ^a Tonga wore Field To Podium kits in the matches during the 2008 Pacific Nations Cup
  • ^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

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Name Span Mat Won Lost Draw %W
New Zealand David Mullins[10] 1969–1974
Tonga Viliami Haʻunga[11]1979
Tonga Kelepi Tupou[12]1983
Tonga Fred Wolfgramm[13]1985
Tonga Sione Kite[14]1986–1987
Tonga Peseti Maʻafu[15][16]1991
Tonga Sione Taumoepeau[17]1994-1995
Tonga Fakahau Valu1995
Tonga Rev. Tevita Latailakepa1998
Tonga Polutele Tuʻihalamaka1999
New Zealand David Waterston1999–2000[18]
Tonga Vaita Ueleni2000–2001
New Zealand Jim Love2001–200319613031.58
Australia Viliami Ofahengaue2004–200580800.00
Australia Adam Leach2006–2007752071.43
Tonga Quddus Fielea2007–201016511031.25
New Zealand Isitolo Maka2010–20111477050.00
Australia Toutai Kefu (caretaker)2012312033.33
Tonga Mana Otai2012–2015241112147.91
Australia Toutai Kefu2016–2023511532029.41
Tonga Tevita Tuʻifua2024–present

Notable former players

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See also

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Notes

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  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. 1 2 "Men's World Rankings". world.rugby. Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  7. ↑ Tonga rugby stats
  8. ↑ Canada’s Men's Rugby Team begins journey to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 with matches in Edmonton and Winnipeg this July
  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. ↑ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 1 March 2025.
  12. ↑ Tonga 1979 tour of New Zealand squad on The Tonga Chronicle
  13. ↑ "2019 Rugby World Cup Ikale Tahi Mate Maa Tonga Supporters Page" – via Facebook.
  14. ↑ "Tonga v Wales - Men's Rugby World Cup 1987". World Rugby. Retrieved 23 January 2026.
  15. ↑ Fiji wins spot Nukuʻalofa Times, 12 July 2017
  16. ↑ Photo of the Tonga 1991 squad on The Tonga Chronicle
  17. ↑ Rugby Union: Preview of the 16 nations in this summer's World Cup
  18. ↑ "Tonga 22 Fiji 25, 2000 Epson Cup - Teivovo.com". fijirugbyunion.com. Retrieved 29 April 2021.

Sources

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