Tonga to host its first Super Rugby Game in May 2024 [1]
Friday, December 15, 2023 - 17:09
Making history at Teufaiva Stadium next year, Moana Pasifika and the Highlanders will clash in the first Super Rugby game to be played in Tonga on 4 May 2024.
Tonga's hosting was confirmed on 15 December, by Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) and the TRU President, the Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku.
“I am very happy as I am sure all Tongans are, to have Moana Pasifika right here in the Kingdom. We look forward to continuing to demonstrate that we can host these international games,” he said.
The CEO of Moana Pasifika, Mr Pelenato Sakalia said that it had always been part of their mission to take games to the Pacific and invest in those communities.
“It shows them what’s possible and allows our players to showcase their talent in front of their families,” he said.
The Moana, who were founded in 2020, played their first home game in the Pacific in April when they lost 40-28 to the Queensland Reds in Samoa.
With half of the squad being of Tongan nationality, more than 10 of the team had played for the ‘Ikale Tahi at the World Cup in France.
Moana Squad list
- Abraham Pole (Tongan)
- Aisea Halo (Tongan)
- Alamanda Motuga (Samoan)
- Anzelo Tuitavuki (Tongan)
- Christian Lealiifano (Samoan)
- D'angelo Leuila (Samoan)
- Danny Toala (Samoan)
- Donald Brighouse (Samoan)
- Ereatara Enari (Samoan /Maori)
- Fine Inisi (Tongan)
- Henry Taefu (Samoan)
- Irie Papuni (Tongan)
- James Ley (Samoan)
- Jonathan Taumateine (Samoan)
- Julian Savea (Samoan)
- Lalomilo Lalomilo (Samoan)
- Lotu Inisi (Tongan)
- Miracle Faiilagi (Samoan)
- Neria Fomai (Samoan)
- Nigel Ah Wong (Samoan)
- Ofa Tauatevalu (Tongan)
- Ola Tauelangi (Tongan)
- Otumaka Mausia (Tongan)
- Pepesana Patafilo (Samoan)
- Samiuela Moli (Tongan)
- Samuel Slade (Samoan)
- Sama Malolo (Samoan)
- Sekope Kepu (Tongan)
- Sateki Lātū (Tongan)
- Semisi Paea (Tongan)
- Sione Havili Talitui (Tongan)
- Solomone Funaki (Tongan)
- Suetena Asomua (Samoan)
- Tom Savage (English)
- Tomasi Maka (Tongan)
- Viliami Napa’a (Tongan)
- Viliami Fine (Tongan)
- William Havili (Tongan)