The Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) has begun construction on its first-ever training facility, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in its Fasi premises on Monday.
TRU CEO ‘Aisea ‘Aholelei called it a historic moment for Tongan rugby. “This is truly a great day for Tonga Rugby – this is the first ever training facility that’ll be owned and controlled by the Tonga Rugby Union,” he said.
‘Aholelei acknowledged that Tonga had lagged behind other rugby nations due to a lack of investment and resources. “Now our talented players will be able to train in their own house and fulfill their potential, ready to take on the world and make Tonga proud,” he said.
The project is funded by the Japanese Government with a grant of $143,400 (USD) under the Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) signed in January.
Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, His Excellency Mr. Inagaki Hisao, highlighted the facility’s broader benefits. He noted that in addition to developing rugby players, the center would be open to the public, promoting exercise in a country facing high rates of non-communicable diseases.
While the facility’s completion date is yet to be confirmed, TRU hopes it will become a key part of Tonga’s rugby future.
