Tonga Women’s Rugby team defeated Papua New Guinea 36 – 24 on Sunday, 1 March, at Bava Park in Port Moresby, bringing them one step closer to qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2021.

The win means Tonga progresses to the final stage of the Oceania regional qualification process where they will meet Samoa on 18 April in Apia. The winner of this game will go on to the repecharge that will determine the final qualifier for RWC 2021 which will be held in Auckland, New Zealand.

A solid Tongan team led the game against the PNG Cassowaries at half time 22-12. PNG managed to claw their way into contention in the second half 29-24 with five minutes left in the game. But Tonga sealed the win with a try in the 80th minute.

Tonga captain Va’aiga Moimoi said this win is big for us as Tongan women, not only for Tonga but also for us Pacific women and it’s such a privilege to play here in PNG.

“It was a very physical game today and I know everyone enjoyed it. It’s just growing for us women and I would like to thank everyone who has supported us on this journey.”

“We’re looking forward to play Samoa in April and we know it’s going to be a physical encounter, but our goal was to win this game and keep going forward.”

The victory lifts Tonga to their highest ever position of 27th in the World Rugby Women's Rankings, with Papua New Guinea falling two places to 43rd in defeat.