Visiting Australian and NZ teams take on Tonga Locals

Tonga (blue) vs New Zealand at the Women's Rugby Combined Championship. Kolomotu'a, Tonga. 10 January 2024. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

A Women's Rugby Combined Championship kicked off today in Nuku'alofa, with two matches at the Halaano Field in Kolomotu'a.

Teams from New Zealand and Australia are in Tongatapu to take on the Tonga Locals and teams from His Majesty's Armed Forces in the Championship.

Today's first match saw the Tonga Locals defeating a New Zealand team (31-20) for the first time. Meanwhile, HMAF took a massive beating down from Australia in the second match of the day (74-0).

Tonga Sevens Women's coach, Lino Filisione told Matangi Tonga that there are no prizes for this championship, however, it's an opportunity for the women to showcase their skills for talent scouts who are here from New Zealand and Australia. He said that this was an opportunity for the girls to be picked to play for a foreign team like the Penina Pasifika in Australia.

The championship will continue next week at the Halaano Field in Kolomotu'a next week with matches set for Tuesday,14 January.

Tonga Women's Rugby Combined Championship, Tonga (blue jersey) going in for a try. Kolomotu'a, Tonga. 10 January 2024. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

Tonga's local team (blue jerseys) successfully block New Zealand at the line. Kolomotu'a, Tonga. 10 January 2024. Photo: Matangi Tonga.