Sportventurer Tonga

This small nation nestled in the Western Pacific Ocean, close to Fiji and Samoa and only an hour and a half by plane from New Zealand, is composed of 173 islands stretching over 800 miles from north to south.

Its geographical position means that it is one of the first places in the World to see the sunrise every day and it is often referred to as the "land where time begins".

Tonga's main island, Tongatapu (or 'sacred south'), and the first of the islands that you will encounter, is where Nuku'alofa, the Kingdom's capital is situated. A small but interesting town, you will find most things that you need there: banks, supermarkets, historical buildings and a number of fine drinking spots! This will be where Sportventurer is based, and although the culture shock may get to you at the start, you will, by the end of your stay, have fallen in love with the ramshackle feel of the whole place.

Experience Tonga

With their formidable physiques, Tongans, like all Polynesians, are perfectly built for rugby and it is a game that they have taken to the heart of their national pride since the Nineteenth Century. Tonga's national team, the Ikale Tahi (Sea Eagles) regularly takes part in the World Cup and although they rarely reach the latter stages, there were a vast number of Tongans representing a myriad of countries at the World Cup - George Smith, Doug Howlett and Carl Hoeft amongst others. Exporting rugby players is one way in which Tonga has put itself on the map and arguably the most famous rugby player in the history of the game (OK well at least before 'that' kick), Jonah Lomu, is Tongan by birth.

What can I play in Tonga?

		Rugby in Tonga >>

		Netball in Tonga >>

Adventures in Tonga

<< Tonga Island Hopper >>

Crowds of up to five thousand people gather every Friday afternoon at the Teufaiva stadium (the national stadium) during the school rugby season to watch the various teams take each other on as they fight to be the National School champions, making most of the school player’s minor celebrities. It is not only at First team level that the competition is taken seriously and you will enjoy watching and coaching boys from the ages of 11 up to 18, most probably discovering a host of new Lomus as you go along.

“There have been many highlights of my time in Tonga; however a hatrick against the Tongan National Team, the man of the match award and the ball, wasn’t too bad!”
Adam Smith, Sportventurer Tonga 2005