By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

Ahead of the first ever Super Rugby clash in Tonga, the Moana Pasifika team arrived last night, 1 May 2024, to start preparing for their match against the Highlanders on Saturday afternoon.

Today, Moana Pasifika’s head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga and a few of the Tongan players talked with local media at the Sunia Mafile’o Kolomotu’a Gym.

Head coach Tana Umaga is the first All Black Captain of Pasifika descent and has a significant history of coaching both at international and Super Rugby level.

It’s Tana's first time in Tonga, along with most of the players, and they are trying to cope with the heat as it was “freezing” in New Zealand.

However, he said “We knew it was gonna be hot so that’s not excuse, for us is just making sure we’re able to execute under pressure.”

He told Matangi Tonga that he is “very much so” looking forward to the game on Saturday as they are at home and will be playing with the home advantage.

Capatain Sione Havili Taitu'i said that he feels "very prepared" to clash on Saturday and that he has faith in their plans for the game.

Meet and Greet

Fans and supporters gathered at Teufaiva Stadium today in the afternoon to meet and greet with the Moana Pasifika team.

Fans got posters, shirts, hats and more autographed by the players and coach. Prior to the meet and greet the team also held an open training session for the fans.

The New Zealand High Commission hosted a reception for the visitors in Nuku'alofa tonight.