Tonga established its first club competition in 1988 and 2008 marks the 20th anniversary.

Three of the original clubs are still flourishing-Mu’a Saints, the Crusaders and the Kolomu’a Warriors.

A schools competition recently began with seven teams in the under 16’s and five in the under 18’s. Interest is building rapidly and in 2008 schools will field teams in under 12’s, under 14’s and under 16’s.

There are now 40 teams playing Rugby League in Tonga, a far cry from the five that kicked of the competition in 1988.

Playing numbers have grown to over 1,000. The season begins at the end of May and concludes in September. The major competition is the Global Insurance Cup. Ten teams compete.

The main ground is Teufaiva Stadium which is used for major games and international fixtures.

Coaching is in its infancy but will receive a boost from the ARL in the form of coaching and refereeing.

There are 300 enrolled juniors and the goal is to double that number within the next 12 months. The World Cup will be the motivator.

Tonga has three naming rights sponsors-Leiola Duty Free and Global Insurance.

Tonga will play matches against the Junior Kangaroos and Fiji prior to the 2008 World Cup.

The emphasis is squarely on establishing a strong presence in the schools.

Tonga views the 2008 World Cup as a turning point in the game’s popularity. All schools are ready to adopt Rugby League and sound performances in then World Cup will generate much needed support.

Tongan National Rugby League PO BOX 2563 Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Telephone: +676 25 829 Fax: +676 24 966 Email: robtnrl@kalianet.to Web: http://www.tnrl.to/

Foundation Year: 1988 Affiliated Since: 1995 RLIF Status: Test Nation