Tonga Ikale Tahi Jerseys

Wellington 2011: the day the Ikale Tahi beat France

On 1st October 2011, at the regional stadium of Wellington, Tonga defeated the French XV 19 to 14 in the final pool match of the World Cup. The only Tongan try was scored by Sukanaivalu Hufanga, and the fly-half Kurt Morath kicked fourteen points. Despite this achievement, the Ikale Tahi did not progress past the first round, with France qualifying thanks to a point for defensive bonus. This match remains one of the biggest surprises in the history of the competition and the pinnacle of Tongan rugby.

The other nations

The national team jerseys are also available in:

• France Team Jerseys.
• Ireland Jerseys.
• New Zealand Jerseys.
• England Jerseys.
• Scotland Jerseys.
• Wales Jerseys.
• South Africa Jerseys.
• Italy Jerseys.
• Japan Jerseys.
• Euskarians Jerseys.
• Samoa Jerseys.
• Spain Jerseys.

All selections are gathered on the national teams page.

The red royal and the sipi tau

The Tongan jersey is red, the colour of the kingdom's flag, red with a white canton marked by a red cross. It features the emblem of the Tongan federation and, depending on the designs, traditional Polynesian patterns. Before each match, the players perform the sipi tau, a chant and dance of challenge directed at their opponent. The nickname Ikale Tahi, the sea eagles, refers to the strength and speed of a team for whom rugby is the top sport, played from childhood on all the islands of the archipelago.

Choosing your Tongan jersey cut

A Tongan jersey usually comes in two cuts. The supporter cut falls straight at the hips and allows more room at the shoulders: this is the right choice for gifting or wearing outside of the stadium. The player cut, made from a stretchy fabric that fits the torso, is designed to withstand tackles and dry quickly. The chest measurement remains the reference; a person between sizes should take the larger size in player cut, and the closer size in supporter cut. The children's sizes follow age and mirror the colours of the adults.

Good deals

Great deals can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

Why do former All Blacks play for Tonga?

Since 2022, World Rugby allows a player to represent the country of birth of their parents or grandparents after three years without being selected. Several former All Blacks of Tongan descent, like Charles Piutau or Malakai Fekitoa, have thus joined the Ikale Tahi.

Does Tonga have a rugby league team?

Yes, the rugby league team, Mate Ma'a Tonga, defeated New Zealand in Hamilton during the 2017 World Cup, and then lost its semi-final against England by two points. Their jerseys are distinct from those of rugby union.

Did Tonga compete in the 2023 World Cup?

Yes, in France, in the group with Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, and Romania. Bolstered by former All Blacks, they beat Romania in Lille for their only victory of the tournament.

Since when has Tonga been playing in the World Cup?

Since the first edition in 1987, held in New Zealand and Australia. They have participated in all the finals phases since, except for the one in 1991, for which they did not qualify.

How to wash a Tonga jersey without fading the red?

Wash it inside out, at thirty degrees, with similar colours to avoid any transfer, then dry it flat, in the shade. This way, the bright red remains vibrant, and the prints do not crack.