Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific players will be dotting down for Tonga for the opening 10 rounds of the season with Rugby Australia (RA) and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) teaming up with their respective broadcast partners to donate $500 per try for the Red Cross Pacific Tsunami Appeal.
The Tries for Tonga appeal will see RA, NZR, Sky, Stan Sport and Nine partner to generate greater impact for the campaign, which will culminate in Round 10 when all 12 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific teams are scheduled to gather in Melbourne for a Super Round over ANZAC weekend.
RA Chief Executive Andy Marinos said: “We’re pleased to be able to partner with New Zealand Rugby, Stan Sport and Nine and Sky to bring this initiative to life.
“The Hunga Tonga eruption and tsunami has had a devastating impact on the people of Tonga and the surrounding region. As a Rugby community, we felt it was important to bind together and contribute to the relief efforts, as the Tongan community play an important role in our Rugby ecosystem.
“I’d like to thank our broadcast partner Stan Sport and Nine along with our joint venture partner New Zealand Rugby and their broadcaster Sky for their collaboration and support in this initiative.”
Stan Director of Sport Ben Kimber said: “At Stan Sport we’re delighted to be supporting the fantastic Tries For Tonga initiative.
“It has been an incredibly challenging time for the Tongan community and we hope this will contribute much needed funds to help our friends across the Pacific. We’re looking forward to the season kicking off next Friday and to see the tries start to stack up from some great Rugby.”
NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson said: “The Tongan people have contributed, and continue to contribute, so much to our game, so it is only right that Rugby is there to support one of our closest Pacific neighbours in their time of need. We hope Tries for Tonga can provide a meaningful a boost to the Red Cross’ ongoing relief efforts.”
Sky Chief Executive Sophie Moloney said: “We’ve long supported many great initiatives in sport and culture in Aotearoa New Zealand and this new project is a perfect fit for Sky. Our Sky Sport for Good programme has already seen some action in 2022 with an incredible fundraising result in the recent Moana Pasifika and Gallagher Chiefs pre-season match.
“It’s important to our whānau that Sky makes a meaningful contribution to our wider community,
and we’re delighted to be part of Tries for Tonga. It will give added impetus to each of the teams playing in Super Rugby Pacific.”
Australian Red Cross Director of International Programs Alex Mathieson said: “Australian Red Cross is extremely grateful for the support we have already received from Australians to respond to the immediate needs of the people in Tonga. We continue to raise funds to support the people of Tonga and those impacted by the volcanic eruption and tsunami in their recovery over the next 24 months.
“This very generous initiative from New Zealand Rugby, Rugby Australia and their partners, shows the true community spirit and sense of family and connectedness across the Pacific, linking support for those most in need through our shared love of rugby.”
As well as cheering on the players, fans can make their own contribution to the Red Cross’ Pacific Tsunami Appeal by visiting the official website.
