GO RED for the 'Ikale Tahi fever has spread to Afghanistan where Tonga's second contingent is deployed.

The 55 Tongan soldiers led by Commander Sione Fifita who are serving six months at Helmand Province in Afghanistan showed their support for the 'Ikale Tahi rugby team by wearing red.

The troops held up a sign that said "Go Red Go 'Ikale Tahi" in pictures taken at British Camp Bastion, where they are currently carrying out Base Security duties.

Commander Fifita via email sends their support and good luck to the 'Ikale Tahi team in their preparation to the Rugby World Cup. "We are all well and we are happy to be joining from the desert with Tonga in wearing Red in support of the team," he said.

Meanwhile, in Nuku'alofa on August 26, everyone was noticeably in red as the Friday "Go Red for the 'Ikale Tahi" campaign continues in offices, businesses and in schools, and with the public.

The staff at the University of the South Pacific Tonga Campus at Ha'ateiho went red today and decorated their office with red and white. The Institute of Education put up red banners and decorations for the 'Ikale Tahi, while the administration side put up a small hall of fame with pictures of past 'Ikale Tahi teams.