The Prime Minister, Dr. Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele, will attend a special function on Wednesday, 9 September, in Wellington, New Zealand, marking the important milestone of "Two Years To Go" until the host, New Zealand, meets Tonga in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup 2011.

The special function is being hosted by the New Zealand Prime Minister, Hon John Key, the Rugby World Cup Minister, Hon Murray McCully, and the Chairman of the International Rugby Board, Mr. Bernard Lapasset. It will be held at the national parliament in Wellington.

The Hon Prime Minister is attending the special function on the invitation of the New Zealand Government and the Chairman of the International Rugby Board.

The Hon Prime Minister said, "Tonga is honoured to have been selected to play the New Zealand All Blacks in the opening match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. This is the ideal opportunity for Tonga to show the rest of the world that it has the players and the skills to match the best teams in the world. The Government is committed to supporting the Tonga Rugby Football Union all the way in the preparation for 2011."

The Hon Prime Minister will also hold a special meeting with the IRB Chairman, Mr. Bernard Lapasset, to discuss progress on the restructuring of Tonga Rugby and further assistance from the IRB to Tonga.

The Hon Prime Minister will be accompanied by Fakahau Valu, the well-known and well-respected former captain of the national rugby team, and IRB Pathway of Fame Inductee. PMO, 07/09/09.