The Australia A squad will arrive in Nuku’alofa on Wednesday ahead of their highly anticipated match against the Ikale Tahi on Friday afternoon.
While the primary focus will be Australia A tackling Tonga on the 50th anniversary of Tonga’s 1973 victory over the Wallabies at Ballymore in Brisbane, Australian players and staff will also have the opportunity to engage with the wider Tongan community, including Tonga High School, Kolomatu’a Rugby Club, and women’s and men’s rugby players of His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) at Masefield Navy Base.
“Australia and Tonga’s Rugby rivalry doesn’t just build mutual respect and pride; it brings our nations together through shared goals, heroes, and achievements. We look forward to further strengthening this relationship on and off the field in Tonga as both of our countries build towards Rugby World Cup 2023,” said Rugby Australia Executive, Anthony French.
The Australia A Tongan tour is the continuation of the Australian Government’s investment in the development of Rugby throughout the Pacific through the PacificAus Sports program and follows significant investment to support Pacific Rugby pathways in partnership with Oceania Rugby.
PacificAus Sports creates ongoing opportunities for Australian and Tongan athletes, coaches, and sports administrators to train, play and grow together.
Anthony French said, “Tonga has built an impressive squad under Toutai Kefu, and they will be tough competition for Australia A and at the World Cup later this year – we want to thank the Australian Government and Tonga Rugby Union who made this fixture possible”.
