THE Tonga A will be playing for their late Queen Mother, Halaevalu Mata’aho in the World Rugby Pacific Rugby Challenge (PRC) which will be held at the ANZ Stadium in Suva from Saturday.
Tonga A team arrived at the Nausori International Airport on Monday dressed in their traditional attire and wearing black to mark their mourning period.
Former Suva captain Isi Fatani, who is now coaching the side, said they wanted to win the title this year.
“We are ready to face Fiji Warriors in our first game of the competition. The boys are confident of a good outing,” he said.
“The team has been preparing for the past two months for the competition. We have only six players who played for Tonga last year while the others are new to the team.
“We are looking forward to the tough competition as we know Fiji has always been a tough team to beat, especially playing at home.”
Fatani, while studying at the then Fiji Institute of Technology (now Fiji National University) in Suva, played for the Suva rugby team in 1987 and 1988.
“This team is better prepared for the challenges ahead. We have a number of quality players compared with last year.
“Fiji has been doing a good job and they have been supporting us. I think this is a good place for this tournament.
“It will be a physical battle and to all the Tongan people here in Fiji, come and support us.”
Tonga A and Fjii Warriors match will kick off at 5.30pm on Saturday while prior to the match Junior Japan will play Samoa A at 4pm.
Meanwhile, Tongan players will wear black armband in the respect of their Queen Mother.
