Thousands of Tongans flocked to Nuku’alofa on Wednesday 29 November to greet the Mate Ma’a Tonga team who returned to Tonga from their Rugby League world cup campaign in Australia. The players were carried on top of trucks through the Nuku’alofa CBD in a colourful float parade.

A rainy day did nothing to dampen the spirited crowds who stood beside the roads to watch and wave out at to Mate Ma’a Tonga players. Some of the players climbed down from their trucks to take selfies with fans including elderly folk, women and children. Other Mate Ma’a Tonga players drove motorbikes through the CBD.

The Mate Ma’a Tonga team later visited the Royal Palace to receive medals. A block party was organised in the evening with an open concert featuring New Zealand reggae band Three Houses Down.

Some members of the team were welcomed in Vava'u today.