The Ngahau Siliva, His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) Women’s Rugby Team will be competing in the first International Defence Rugby Competition on 7 October in Auckland, New Zealand.

Before their departure on 3 October, the team and officials met the Colonel in Chief, Crown Prince Tupouto ’a ‘Ulukalala, who named them 'Ngahau Siliva' on 30 September.

Hosted byNew Zealand Defence Force from 7-25 October at the College Rifles Rugby Grounds in Remuera, the team will compete against defence teams from United Kingdom, France, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.>

HMAF stated this is the first ever tournament of its kind for defence supporting women in sports.

The management team includes HMAF staff and members of the Tonga Rugby Union (TRU):

• Team Manager – CDR Sione Lino
• A/Team Manager – LT Levalasi Lavakei’aho Lagimiri
• Head Coach – WO2 Malu’afisi Falekaono
• Forwards Coach – 'Akanesi Pohiva (TRU)
• Backs Coach – Emma Potaufa (TRU)
• Referee – Anderson Sanft
• Strength & Conditioning Trainer – Jessica Rowe (TRU)
• Liaison Officer (NZDF) – CPO (Navy) Maria Pahulu Jr.
• Captain – Uheina Hala’api’api
• Vice-Captain – Ann Marie ‘Uhatahi
• Vice-Captain – Katea ‘Utoikamanu