Japan Rugby donates equipment to Tonga Rugby Union

Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has donated equipment to the Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Sport for Tomorrow initiative.

The JFRU has donated a variety of equipment including 150 rugby balls, 138 cones, four tackle shields, two rugby bags and three cone holders with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan covering the shipping costs.

Japan’s Embassy in Tonga organised the donation after the TRU made a request for support.  

The 2019 Rugby World Cup host nation donated ¥28 million to the Tonga Tsunami Relief Fund in April 2022, after the volcanic eruption and tsunami in a joint fundraising initiative between the JRFU and Japan Rugby League One.  

From L-R: Mr. Semisi Fonua, TRU Strength and Conditioning Coach, - Ms. Ayako Imai, Embassy of Japan in Tonga, GGP Aid Coordinator, - H.E. Mr. INAGAKI Hisao, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga, - Mr. ‘Aisea ‘Aholelei, TRU CEO, - Mr. Siua (Josh) Taumalolo, TRU High-Performance Academy Manager and - Mr. Richie Talia’uli, TRU Development Manager

The two countries have a rich history of collaborating in sporting and developmental projects.  

Japan hosted a charity rugby match in Tokyo in 2022 to support Tonga's recovery from the volcanic eruption and tsunami.

This donation enabled the TRU to renovate Teufaiva Sport Stadium, their home stadium, and bring the facility up to World Rugby’s standards to host international Test matches.

Tonga was able to host Italy, Spain, Fiji and Canada last year and staged the country’s first Super Rugby Pacific game when Moana Pasifika played the Highlanders.  

The Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Tonga’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Aid Coordinator Ms. Ayako Imai told RugbyJP: “This support is invaluable to the development of our players and the growth of rugby in Tonga.

“Receiving this equipment is not just a contribution to our teams, but a testament to the strong bond between our rugby communities. It will greatly enhance our training programs, provide essential resources to our athletes, and help us continue fostering the spirit of rugby in our nation.”

"A Tongan former rugby player in Japan has expressed interest in making a donation himself. I have also received a response from a representative of the Japan Rugby Football Union who would like to further strengthen cooperation between Japan and Tonga.

“Specific details will be decided in the future, but there is no doubt that this donation has provided a great opportunity.”