Tonga RL 9s Women's team - breaking down barriers for women in sport

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Pacific Games Silver Medalists, Tonga RL 9s team with coaches Tavake Fangupo (left), head coach Monica Henry (right) and team manager. Nuku'alofa. 25 November 2023. Photo: Matangi Tonga. .

By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.

Tonga's Pacific Games Silver Medalists, the Rugby League 9s Women’s team, returned to Tonga at the weekend, encouraging young girls “to play hard, never give up and strive for their goals no matter what.”

On 25 November the Tonga Rugby League 9s women's team shared their experience, overcoming societal norms for women in sports, such as rugby.

“Do your best and God will do the rest,” they told Matangi Tonga.

The team also shed light on the challenges faced by young female rugby players in the outer islands, where family and tradition adds a significant amount of pressure, which makes it difficult for girls to pursue their passion in rugby.

One team member revealed that girls in rugby are sometimes frowned upon by their families: "For us, for me, I’m from Ha’apai, it's hard for girls like me to do what we do, because we are stopped by our families."

Nevertheless, the girls decided to break down those barriers and pave the way for future generations. "There's gonna be a lot of little Tongan girls watching - and that’s who were playing for," said one player.

At the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands last week, despite a phenomenal five out of six matches winning streak, the team faced a formidable challenge in the final match against Cook Islands.

The debutant underdogs' gold medal dreams were shattered after the rematch with the dominant Cook Islands team.

Australian club contract

'Eseta Vuki (top left) hopes for a career in NRL. Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu. 25 November 2023. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

On Saturday, Coach Tavake Fangupo, surprised one of the talented local players, 'Eseta Vuki, who had received a contract offer from an Australian Club.

Currently serving in His Majesty's Armed Forces (HMAF) and hailing from the villages of Holonga and Fo'ui, 'Eseta was visibly emotional as she received the news.

"Lost for words ... I don’t know what to say, 'ofa lahi atu kia moutolu," she said.

The Team

The 15-member Tonga Rugby League 9s Women's team includes 11 local players and four players from New Zealand and Australia.