Tonga High Performance Academy

Congratulations to academy players Opeti Helu and Esei Haangana on great games in the Australian Schools narrow loss to the New Zealand schools in their test match in Auckland. Opeti won the coveted Bronze Boot award for the best forward in the series.

Watch the highlights here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JxnxrDyG14

Great to see the boys working so hard to improve their rugby. The future of Tongan rugby looks bright.
Thank you to Ikale' Tahi Head Coach Toutai Kefu for coming along to give the boys some encouragement.

Thursday July 14th & Friday July 15th, 2016 are the confirmed dates for our second high performance camp of the year. To be held at the world-class facilities of Newington College it will include sessions detailing core skill development, game management, sports nutrition and physical testing and evaluation.
The Tonga High Performance Academy has been a huge success already identifying players for the Ikale' Tahi u20's and helping to provide professional opportunities for our boys overseas. If you would like to nominate a talented Tonga eligible 16 - 19 year old please let us know.
A big thank you to Newington College and the Fell Foundation for their continued support of Tongan Rugby.

Through the Academy Teu Atiola represented the Ikale' Tahi 20's where he was made vice captain at the Oceania Qualifying Tournament in November. We are now thrilled to announce that we have helped secure Teu's first professional contract. From November Teu will be playing his rugby with powerful French Pro D2 club Aurillac.

We are so excited to be able to help a fantastic young man live his dream and we look forward to following his career with interest. Hopefully all the way to World Cup 2019 with the Ikale' Tahi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG1I7K1c2uM

Teu Atiola 2015 Highlights Teu Atiola high school rugby highlights.

What a fantastic achievement from the Western Sydney Rams u17's in taking out the BMW Australian Junior Gold Cup crushing Brisbane City 38 - 3 in the final. Congratulations to the Tonga eligible boys Lorenzo Maa, Netane Talanoa, Haitoni Hafoka, Esei Haangana, Joshua Atua, Peni Tuitupou, Lachlan Natapu, Timothy Hingino, Tauteau Taufa, Zach Tuala and Lisiate Finau.
Hopefully Tonga Rugby Union can sort out their governance issues and through the academy we can start nurturing the incredible potential of Western Sydney.

A huge win by the Rebels 20's over NSW 39 - 26 in Sydney. Massive games from Tongan boys Ikapote Tupai, Potu Leavasa, Frank Uini, Eli Vole, JP Sauni and Robert Vatentini. Big things happening down south in both the U20's and Junior Gold Cup with Pacifica boys leading the way.

Congratulations to all the Tongan boys selected for the NSW Gen Blue u20's taking part in the inaugural SuperRugby u20's tournament.......Vuni Fifita, Jordan Loto'Aniu, Siaosi Halaifonua, Andrew Vatuvei, Latu Latunipulu and Sione Afu.

Narrowly defeated by the Reds u20's but looking for a big win next up against the Brumbies Colts. Good luck boys.

The Academy is now officially up and running......Day 1 of our first camp. Great to see the boys taking advantage of the awesome opportunities being offered to them by Tonga Rugby.

Tonga u20's were narrowly defeated 19 - 10 by host nation Fiji in the final of the 2015 Oceania 4 nations tournament. Academy members Sione Atiola and Moa Maliepo had big games in the final but unfortunately Fiji were just a little better on the day.

Best of luck to academy players Hosea Fotukava, Moa Meliepo and Teu Atiola who are off to the 4 Nations Tournament in Fiji with the Ikale Tahi 20's as they look to qualify for the Junior World Trophy.