Tongan rugby union player, Hosea Saumaki, and Leicester Tigers fans in England, have sponsored much needed relief supplies to help many families affected by the tsunamis in Tonga.

Hosea who plays for Leicester Tigers, held a fundraising with supporters, and sent to Tonga around $38,000 pa’anga to buy the supplies for the families.

Deliveries to families, beginning yesterday, included food items such as flour, rice, cooking oil, noodles, eggs, as well as small gas cookers and a full cylinder of gas for their cooking.

Hosea's brother Sione Saumaki said they started distributing the first lot to around 55 families in Sopu and Patangata on Feb. 24. The supplies are being distributed according to the perceived needs of the families.

At Patangata, each family was given a small gas cooker with a full cylinder, a sack of flour, a bottle of 5 litre cooking oil, noodles and an egg tray.

Town officer Mosese Mafi accompanied the distribution, where families expressed their gratitude for the generosity.

Meanwhile, the distribution is expected to continue on Feb. 25 to more families from Siesia, ‘Atata and Mango in Ha’apai.

Hosea’s families and friends in Tonga who were impacted will also get some supplies.

In 2021, Hosea played for the Tonga’s national rugby union team ‘Ikale Tahi in a test match against the New Zealand All Blacks.

He is married to Kesaia with one child Telusila Jr.