Rugby arrived in Tonga in the early 1900s and caught on almost immediately. Part of the reason it suited Tongan culture so well is that it rewards both individual power and teamwork — values that are very important in Tongan society. Boys and girls across the islands grow up kicking, passing, and tackling from a very young age, and the game is played everywhere from formal club grounds to sandy stretches near the beach.
The Sipi Tau is the pre-match challenge performed by the Tongan national team before important games. Like the New Zealand haka, it involves the whole team moving and chanting together, stamping their feet and slapping their bodies in a rhythmic, powerful display. It is meant to show strength, unity, and pride — and it often has the whole stadium watching in silence before erupting into noise.
Many Tongan players have gone on to play professional rugby for clubs and national teams around the world — in New Zealand, Australia, England, and France. In some families, multiple brothers all become professional rugby players. Tonga may be a small nation by population, but on a rugby field it competes at the very highest level, and Tongan fans are among the most passionate and colourful supporters at any international tournament.