The Kingdom of Tonga was centre stage in London last week after the competition to find the World's "Maddest" Rugby Fan was officially launched at London's prestigious New Zealand House. The venue played host to a number of stars such as England Captain Nick Easter, England winger Dave Strettle, Tongan International Epi Taione, and former England international footballer Rodney Marsh, among others who came to support Tonga's ambitious campaign to attract rugby fans to visit Tonga during this year's Rugby World Cup.

'Epi Taione and the Tongan HIgh Commissioner to the UK, HE Dr Sione Ngongo Kioa

Nick Easter was keen express his support for the smallest nation in the World Cup, stating, "Along with playing for England in the World Cup, I will be adopting Tonga as my second team to support." England team mate Dave Strettle was also behind the promotion of Tonga, "Tonga is a nation with great spirit, passion for rugby and is always an exciting team to watch."

The campaign, targeting the 85,000 fans expected to travel to New Zealand for the World Cup, centers around the competition to find the 'World's Maddest Rugby Fan' and features its own dedicated website. The site currently features 'Rugby Mad" videos shot on location in Tonga and will also feature videos submitted by rugby fans from around the globe, each vying for the title of the World's No 1 Rugby Fan, and the all-expenses paid holiday in Tonga during the World Cup. Tonga's Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano leads the campaign and features in the welcoming video on the site.

"We are hoping the competition and website will generate significant publicity for our associated Rugby World Cup tourism campaign" said Tourism CEO Sakopo Lolohea. "Tonga is rugby mad and we are aiming to use our affinity with the game, and our proximity to New Zealand to attract rugby fans from around the globe to come to the Kingdom for short stays during the World Cup." UK based Tongan international - Epi Taione encouraged tourists to visit his nation, saying, "I call it home, you call it paradise."

Air New Zealand Holidays will be providing packages specially put together for visiting fans, and Rugby World Magazine from the UK (www.rugbyworld.com [2]) will be publicising the campaign over the coming months. "We have formed some strong partnerships through this campaign" said Tourism Tonga Marketing Manager Reece Proudfoot. "Although we are a small country, we see innovative campaigns such as this as opportunities to build on our relationships with our existing international partners and develop new partnerships along the way. We are confident that this campaign will create a good return for all involved".

The launch was an exciting event filled with entertainment including traditional music and dancing from 'The Beats of Polynesia', with the chance to see USA rugby star Will Johnson, trying his luck at traditional Tongan dancing. The night, organised by Tourism Tonga, True South Group and UK Sports Club, was enjoyed by all, including the England, USA and Tongan international players who were mixing, joking and talking fervently about the upcoming World Cup.

Tonga will also be inviting UK rugby fans to adopt Tonga's national team, The Ikale Tahi, as their second team for the duration of the World Cup. The High Commissioner of Tonga, HE Dr Sione Ngongo Kioa spoke of the fantastic experiences the "smallest and friendliest nation in the World Cup" has to offer. Interestingly, "It is the only place in the world you are legally allowed to swim with whales", he added.

Give yourself the chance to experience the rugby mad Kingdom for yourself by entering the online competition at rugbymaddest where you can upload a video to prove that you are the 'World's Maddest Rugby fan. Tourism Tonga, 04/04/11.