The Government Middle School 9’s rugby league competition has kicked off across Tonga, with young players displaying determination and emerging talent during opening matches on Friday, 22 May 2026.
Tongatapu’s first round of games was held at Longolongo, where teams from government middle schools gathered for the start of the 2026 competition.
A total of 18 teams took part in the opening day, including boys’ and girls’ sides competing in the under-13 division.
The final main match of the day saw hosts Longolongo Government Middle School defeat Popua Government Middle School 20-6 in an entertaining boys’ rugby league clash.
Families, teachers and supporters lined the sidelines, cheering on the young athletes as the new season began.
Despite their age, players showed strong ball skills, speed and determination across the competition, with several closely contested matches highlighting the growing popularity of rugby league at middle school level.
The girls’ division featured tag rugby matches between Vaini and Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa and Fanga, Popua and Longolongo, and Atele against Tokomololo.
In the boys’ rugby league fixtures, Te’ekiu faced Vaini, Ocean of Light played Ma’ufanga, Atele met Tokomololo, Nuku’alofa took on Fanga, while Popua played Longolongo in the final match of the day.
The competition also began in Tonga’s outer islands, including Vava’u, Ha’apai and ’Eua, as schools across the kingdom joined the nationwide rugby league programme.
Organisers say the competition aims to encourage participation in sport while helping young players develop teamwork, discipline and confidence on and off the field.
