The Tonga Women’s Rugby Combine Championship 2025 was launched on Thursday at Niu Lodge in Popua, a day before the opening games were held at Halaano Rugby Field yesterday, marking the start of an exciting competition.
In the first match, the Tonga Residents pulled a shocking win over defending champions New Zealand Tonga with a score of 31-20. The second game saw Australia deliver a commanding 74-0 victory against His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF).
“This championship aims to contribute to the promotion of women’s rugby in Tonga,” said Tonga Women’s Rugby in a statement. The tournament is part of a collaborative effort between the Tonga Rugby Union and the British High Commission in Tonga.

Despite flight delays, the New Zealand Tonga team, last year’s champions, arrived in Tonga earlier this week, ready to defend their title. All teams are camping out at Niu Lodge in Popua during the tournament.
Organizers highlighted the competition’s role as a pathway for Tongan women to compete at the national level and represent Tonga on the global stage.
The championship continues next week.