By Everest Hala

National sporting events are set to take place in Tongatapu as two major women's and youth tournaments return for the annual Heilala Week festivities 2026.

Named after the national flower, the Heilala Festival is Tonga's most anticipated cultural event, held annually in July to coincide with the official birthday of King Tupou VI.

Rugby

Tonga Rugby League (TRXIII) has confirmed the return of the Heilala 9s Tournament for its second year. The three-day event will run from July 2 to 4, 2026, anchoring the athletic lineup of the cultural festival.

Following a successful inaugural tournament, this year’s competition will expand across four distinct divisions to foster both grass-roots development and premier talent.

Teams will battle it out for the 2026 Heilala 9s crown in the Under-18 Boys, Under-18 Girls, Open Men’s, and Open Women’s grades.

Organizers expect the fast-paced, nine-aside format to draw significant crowds from across the region as Tongatapu enters its peak national festival season.

Women’s football

 The Tonga Football Association's Heilala Manongi Cup made its return this Saturday, seeing clubs from across Tongatapu return to the fields to compete for the Heilala Manongi title.

The Cup provides a crucial pathway for elevating the standard of the women's game nationally.