Historic fixture will see Moana Pasifika host first Super Rugby game in Tonga

Moana Pasifika will stage a Super Rugby match in Tonga for the first time in history next year in a bid to grow the sport in the island nation

While 19 of the team's 38-man playing squad are of Tongan descent they normally play in Auckland, where there is a large Pacific community.

However, the historic move will see Moana Pasifika host the Highlanders on 4th May at the 10,000-capacity Teufaiva Sport Stadium in the capital Nuku'alofa.

Explaining the move, Moana Chief Executive, Pelenato Sakalia stated “it's always been part of our mission to take games to the Pacific, to invest in these communities and give our fans in the Islands the chance to watch the team in their own backyard.

"It shows them what's possible and allows our players to showcase their talent in front of their families.”

Moana Pasifika Chairman La’auli Savae, Sir Michael Jones noted “we are extremely privileged and excited to bring the very first Super Rugby game to the Kingdom of Tonga.

"Our Tongan people are some of the most passionate and loyal supporters. They deserve this fixture being played on home soil and to have the opportunity to watch their Moana Pasifika rugby heroes representing them live at their beloved Teufaiva Stadium.

“For us this game is about opportunity and hope. We want to build on the excellent momentum the ‘Ikale Tahi made of late, particularly at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.”

Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, who is also President of the island's rugby union, added “we look forward to continuing to demonstrate that we can host these international games.

Moana, who were founded in 2020, played their first home game in the Pacific in April when they lost 40-28 to the Queensland Reds in Samoa.

11 Moana players were part of Tonga's squad at the Rugby World Cup in France this year.

Image: Moana Pasifika will continue their Pacific expansion as they take the game to Tonga. Credit: Super Rugby Pacific/Carousel Images.