The completed upgrading of Teufaiva Stadium's field was marked with the cutting of ribbons by the New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Sarah Walsh and Tonga’s Caretaker PM Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva on 13 December 2017.

The New Zealand government offered to upgrade Teufaiva, Tonga’s national stadium in 2014 during a visit by a New Zealand Prime Minister. HE Sarah Walsh told the gathering that Hon. John Key committed $2 million for the upgrading of Teufaiva, and yesterday’s celebration marked the completion of Phase One, the playing ground, to be followed by upgrading the racing tracks and the stadium, which included the toilet facilities and changing rooms.

The upgrading of the field began early this year, with a hope for Tonga to host a rugby test match between Wales and the ‘Ikale Tahi. However, the Wales Rugby Union was not happy with the condition of Teufaiva at the time, so the test was moved from Nuku’alofa to Auckland, New Zealand. However, the ‘Ikale Tahi played the Manu Samoa at Teufaiva on 1 July and the Flying Fijians on 8 July.