Tonga, the rugby of the Pacific kingdom
The Tonga page is dedicated to the Ikale Tahi, the sea eagles, from a Pacific kingdom of about one hundred thousand inhabitants that brought down France in the World Cup. The red of the flag, the sipi tau before the match, and the supporter outfits bring together the Tongan community and fans of powerful, spectacular, and unrestrained rugby.
The red of the Kingdom of Tonga.
Wellington 2011: the victory of Ikale Tahi against the French XV
On 1st October 2011, in Wellington, Tonga beat France 19 to 14 in a group match of the World Cup, with a try from Sukanaivalu Hufanga in the first half. The French XV would still go on to reach the final that year, which adds to the significance of the achievement by the Ikale Tahi. Present from the very first World Cup in 1987, the Tongans have made every edition an opportunity to challenge the favourites, with a game based on physical impact and a tackle known to be among the toughest in world rugby.
Other nations
The other nations are also:
All other nations are gathered on the other nations page.
The return of former All Blacks thanks to eligibility rules
Since 2022, World Rugby allows a player who has already been selected to represent the country where he, one of his parents, or grandparents was born, after three years without selection. The Tonga immediately benefit from this: former All Blacks Charles Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa, or former Wallaby Israel Folau, join the Ikale Tahi and play in the 2023 World Cup in France. This reform has provided the team with a pool of experienced players, long captured by the larger neighbouring nations.
The red of the kingdom and the sipi tau
The Tonga jersey is red, like the flag of the kingdom, red with a white canton featuring a red cross, symbolizing the country's Christian faith. Before each match, the players perform the sipi tau, a challenge dance derived from the kailao, the Tongan war dance, a moment highly anticipated by supporters. A garment in the colours of the Ikale Tahi can be chosen in supporter version in its usual size and makes a gift that touches the Tongan community and rugby fans in the Pacific.
Good deals
Good deals can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The year's highlights follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, French Days in spring, then summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ikale Tahi mean?
The nickname means sea eagles. It refers to all Tongan rugby teams from youth to the national team, and appears on the emblem worn on the red jersey.
Are Tonga strong in rugby league?
Yes, on 2nd November 2019, in Auckland, the Tongan rugby league team beat Australia 16 to 12, a historic first. They had already reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2017.
Who do Tonga play against?
Tonga face Samoa, Fiji, and Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup, as well as European nations during July and November tests or end-of-year tours.
What is the population of Tonga?
About one hundred thousand, spread across more than one hundred and seventy islands, of which only a part is inhabited. Despite this small population, the kingdom supplies many players to professional rugby.
Do Tongan players have a professional team?
Yes, since 2022 the franchise Moana Pasifika, based in Auckland, hosts players of Tongan and Samoan heritage in Super Rugby Pacific, allowing them to reach the highest level without leaving the Pacific.
