Making history at Teufaiva Stadium next year, Moana Pasifika and the Highlanders will clash in the first Super Rugby game ever to be played in the kingdom on 4 May 2024.
Tonga’s hosting was confirmed on 15 December by Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) and the TRU President, the Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku.
19 Tongans have been selected in the 38 squad of Moana Pasifika.
“I am very happy as I am sure all Tongans are, to have Moana Pasifika right here in the Kingdom. We look forward to continuing to demonstrate that we can host these international games,” the Prime Minister said.
The CEO of Moana Pasifika, Mr Pelenato Sakalia said that it had always been part of their mission to take games to the Pacific and invest in those communities.
“It shows them what’s possible and allows our players to showcase their talent in front of their families,” he said.
The Moana Pasifika, founded in 2020, played their first home game in the Pacific in April when they lost 40-28 to the Queensland Reds in Samoa.
With half of the squad being of Tongan nationality, more than 10 of the team had played for the ‘Ikale Tahi at the World Cup in France.