By Katalina Siasau

The Tonga Women's Rugby Combined Championship 2025 continued today in Nuku’alofa, with two back-to-back matches at the Hala'ano Rugby Field in Kolomotu’a.

The second match saw tough games between Tonga and the Australian visitors. The teams tied with 17 - 17 in the first half, but the Tonga locals ultimately pushed through with their techniques and strengths, and won 34 - 22.

The earlier match was dominated by New Zealand visitors with an impressive win 72 - 0 against His Majesty’s Armed Forces women’s team

Speaking with Matangi Tonga at the field, the New Zealand visitor’s team captain, Manu Tala’aho Huni Po’ese said her team improved from their first game, where they lost to the Tongan locals last Friday. 

“Our last game was a bit scrambled, it was a bit all over the place. We still have a lot to work on as a team, and our connection, but it was way better than the first game.”

Manu was born and raised in Falaleu, Neiafutahi Vava’u, to parents Fatima Huni from Neiafutahi Vava’u, and Alekisio Huni from Uiha, Ha’apai. 

She migrated to New Zealand at six years old. Manu said coming back to Tonga means a lot to her. 

“My Tongan isn't as good as it used to be, but I still try. That's why I love it when we have events like this, just so that we're giving back to our community, giving back to our country, because there's no place like home. Being here is definitely something special.”

The players are also looking for greater opportunity and for possible selection to Tonga's national team.

Manu said the opportunity to be selected for the Tonga national women's team Lofa, was a massive goal for majority of her team, and herself also, coming into this championship.

“Lofa is definitely the goal to get selected for, but Penina would be a stepping stone to getting into Lofa. We've got the selectors over here, so everyone's trying to put their best foot forward to getting selected.”

The New Zealand visitor's team was initiated from the last combined championship last year, that was held in January.

The team are made up of girls from Wellington, Waikato, and mostly from Auckland. A majority of the girls are of Tongan descent, and some are Tongan Samoan.

Australian visitors

Meanwhile, the Australian visitor’s team captain,’Eseta ‘Aho was proud of her team, regardless of the loss today.

“I'm really proud of them. You know, it was only our second game together, and we showed heaps of positives in that. And then we showed heaps of work-ons, but that's what we want from the game anyways.”

“The Tonga local girls, they threw a lot at us, and I'm really grateful they did because it only makes us better. So proud of my team, proud of my girls, and the conditions we played. It was messy footy, but it was good footy," she added.

‘Eseta is part Samoan and Tongan. Her father is from Mu’a, Tongatapu. 

"I haven't seen them in over 20 years. I'm very grateful that they came and saw me today. It was really good to meet my dad's side of the family, see my dad's side of the family again, and be back home.”

Australia's team are all of Tongan descent, some are half-Maori, half-Cook Islands, and half-Samoan.

"Everyone has got Tongan blood in them, and I'm so grateful that we all got to represent our Tongan side. For a few of us, it's their first time in Tonga.”

The team has a few girls from Queensland, and Victoria, one player from South Australia, and a bunch from New South Wales.

'Eseta said a few of her team want to take part in the Penina squad and eventually make the Lofa squad.

Selectors for national and regional teams

Tonga Sevens Women's coach, Lino Filisione told Matangi Tonga this combined championship provide lots of opportunities for the girls that are participating to be selected for the three major women's teams including the Lofa, Penina Pasifika, and the Tonga Sevens Women’s.

Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika Coach Ramsey Tomokino and Brad Harris were at the games. They are watching players to be selected for the Penina Pasifika.

Ramsey was pleased with the games and especially the performance delivered by the local girls.

"I think the local girls are fantastic. So they obviously deserve their win. And you know, it wasn't easy for them, but great game."

"I can already see the qualities up from last year. I saw some of the games online last year, but it's good to see it live. And yeah, the local girls are good.

"We're going to be going up against the Super W teams that have already been in training since November. So we need to pick girls that are like ready, you know, battle ready... we've just got to get to form a team really quickly and put our best foot forward. But no, really impressive what was on display today," he said.

Ramsey noted he's got a handful of players that he's looking at.

Also at the games was the Lofa coach, Eddie ‘Aholelei also commented on the local girls performance.

"I think the locals are doing really well. I think the whole point of this is trying to get all the girls in one space and let's have a look at them with the pathway for the young females," he told Matangi Tonga.

"It's more like the girls trying to get to, like, show if they get to another level of the game. Obviously, with the pathways, going to the Penina Pasifika, and then obviously the Lofa, it's going to be a different level of game."

"But, you know, some of the locals there, you can see they're showing skills, especially from a fitness point of view. I think that's where most challenges is trying to condition the girls to be able to handle a higher level of rugby."

Friday finals

The final games will be this Friday, 17 January, with kick off at noon.

Tonga will play against HMAF, then Australian visitors will go against New Zealand visitors.