Tonga Touch Team ranks 9th in Touch World Cup 2024

Tonga’s National Touch World Cup Team ranked 9th at Touch World Cup. Nottingham, England. 20 July 2024. Photo: Tonga Nat'l Touch Assoc.

Tonga’s National Touch World Cup Team defeated Scotland (10-5) in the playoff, to earn 9^th place in the World rankings for Open Men's Touch at the weekend, in Nottingham, England.

“Although the team narrowly missed advancing to the Quarter Finals by a mere 2 points, they displayed unwavering determination and strength by defeating Scotland,” said Fehoko Tuivai, the President of the Tonga National Touch Association.

“This remarkable achievement marks Tonga's return to the World Cup stage after a 25-year hiatus and showcases the team's exceptional talent and resilience,” she said. “Their impressive victories against formidable opponents including Fiji, Wales, South Africa, and the Philippines, underscored their commitment to excellence and sportsmanship on the global stage.”

She said that in the Pool stage Tonga demonstrated extraordinary skill when they faced off against Japan, ranked number 3 in the world, and won (Tonga 10 -8 Japan).

The Men's Open Gold Medal was won by Australia.

The Touch World Cup brings the best Touch players from around the globe to decide who is World Champion.

Touch is an exciting and inclusive game played by teams of six players that promotes the fundamental skills of running, passing, catching, evasion, and support play. 

Played by participants of all ages and genders, Touch develops basic attack and defence skills in a minimal contact environment. Unlike other football-related codes such as Rugby Union, Rugby League and Soccer Football, Touch is also played in mixed-gender formats as well as men’s and women’s teams

The Tongan community in England, including Hon. Simon Tu'ivakano (7th from left in photo), welcomed the Tongan team on 7 July 2024 with a Holy Communion prayer service led by Rev. Vunipola, and attended by the Acting Tonga High Commissioner, Mr. Viliami Lolohea (5th from left in photo), at the Rivercourt Methodist Church in London.

Tonga's National Touch Word Cup Team was welcomed by the Tongan Community in England. Rivercourt Methodist Church in London, 7 July 2024.

The team was expected to depart from the United Kingdom on 23 July.

Tonga National Touch World Cup Team

1. Turone MAFI , Link , Haveluloto, Veitongo, Folaha, Tungua
2. Lazarus NGATA, Link, Kolonga, Holonga
3. Carling BROWN, Wing/Link, Kolonga, Kolofo’ou, Kolomotu’a
4. Viliami TULAHE, Wing, Fatai, ‘Eua
5. Chris TUPOU, Middle, ‘Alakifonua, Talafo’ou, Nukuleka-Germany
6. Mosese PURU, Link, Kolofo’ou, Kolomotu’a, Nomuka
7. Joseph Loui Hess SCHAUMKEL, Link, Vava’u, Ma’ufanga
8. Nehemiah Talau BROWN, Middle, Houma, Lapaha
9. Savelio PAHULU, Wing, Fasi-Moe-Afi, ‘Esia NF, Kolofo’ou -AUS
10. Quinn MASILA, Middle/Link, Ha’alalo, ‘Esia, ‘Eua.
11. James Kilisimasi DAVISON, Middle, ‘Eua, Lofanga, Ha’alalo, ‘Ahau
12. Zion J. O. Fifita SITANI, Middle, Leimatu’a, Lapaha, Ma’ufanga, Fasi
13. Ezra Morgan Tafea, Middle, Nukunuku, Holonga, Tongatapu UK
14. Charles V. Sevelo NORMAN, Development. ‘Eueiki, Falevai Vava’u, UK
15. Salesi TU’IONO, Link, Nukunuku, UK
16. Tiumalu MAKONI, Middle, Kolonga, Nukunuku, NZ

Officials

Karl BAILEY, Head Coach, Kolomotu’a, Fasi-Moe-Afi

Chris FIFITA, Assistant Coach

Tyson MOY, Head Performance, New Zealand

Craig G. NORMAN, Performance Analyst, UK

Doctor Faka’osi PIFELETI, Head Physio

Mr. Tim ALLARDYCE, Physio

Ms. Hoko TUIVAI, Assistant Performance

Lata DAVISON, Team Manager, ‘Eua, Lofanga, Ha’alalo, ‘Ahau

Simone PAKIETO, Media, New Zealand