Tonga’s 7’s team has finished second last in its pool at the World Sevens Qualifiers in Hong Kong, failing to make it to the knockout stages of the competition. The result means Tonga will not get core status for the next HSBC World Sevens Series.

Tonga won its only game against Guyana yesterday, winning 36 to 24. Tonga was defeated by Spain and Zimbabwe on Friday. Tonga lost to Spain 27 – 5 and kept scoreless by Zimbabwe 41 – 0.

The Tonga Rugby Union stated, “Both Spain and Zimbabwe exploited gaps on the field, poor passes and errors to limit Tonga to one try in total for the day, coming in their first game where Spain triumphed 27 - 5. 

“Zimbabwe took control of their match early, with an intercept and try within the first minute setting the tone for their 41 - 0 victory. Tonga was unable to maintain possession, and mistakes in their half allowed Zimbabwe to dominate the game.”

Head Coach, Andy Katoa, was optimistic, stating that Team Tonga was being developed. “It was a long day for our boys yesterday, but the process continues for us to improve and get better – Mistakes were made and the good thing is that's fixable. We'll continue to fix those mistakes, and create the habits we need to be successful down the road."

 He added “Our boys have worked hard and are committed to building the right culture, and to getting the little things right. Discipline on and off is a big part of the culture we are building – they’ve learned that they have to take advantage of the opportunity when it comes, because that opportunity will create further opportunities – our players will continue to work hard. The talent is there, it will get better and things will get worked out.”