By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.
Tonga’s Pacific Games silver medalists, the women’s Rugby League 9s team, returned to Tonga at the weekend and encouraged young girls to “play hard, never give up and strive for their goals no matter what.”
On November 25, the Tonga Rugby League 9s women’s team shared their experiences of overcoming societal norms for women in sports such as rugby.
“Do your best and God will do the rest,” they told Matangi Tonga.
The team also highlighted the challenges faced by young female rugby players in the outer islands, where family and tradition exert significant pressures that make it difficult for girls to pursue their passion for rugby.
A team member revealed that girls in rugby sometimes face disapproval from their families: “For us, I’m from Ha’apai, it’s hard for girls like me to do what we do because we’re stopped by our families. “.”
Nevertheless, the girls decided to break down these barriers and pave the way for future generations. “There will be a lot of little girls from Tonga watching – and we played for them,” said one player.
At last week’s Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, despite a phenomenal winning streak in five out of six games, the team faced a formidable challenge in their final game against the Cook Islands.
The debutant underdog’s gold medal dream was dashed after the rematch with the dominant Cook Islands side.
Australian Association Treaty
On Saturday, coach Tavake Fangupo surprised one of the talented local players, Eseta Vuki, who had received a contract offer from an Australian club.
He is currently serving in His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) and Eseta, who comes from the villages of Holonga and Fo’ui, was visibly moved when she received the news.
“I’m at a loss for words… I don’t know what to say: “ofa lahi atu kia moutolu,” she said.
The team
The 15-strong Tonga Rugby League 9s women’s team includes 11 local players and four players from New Zealand and Australia.
- ‘Ana Ngahe
- Courtney Afeaki
- “Eseta Vuki
- “Unise Fakahua
- Kimberly, I’m growing up
- Lavinia Tauhalaliku
- Lleana See
- Lose the most
- red light
- Honey Bee Moala
- Metanoia Fotu-Moala
- Pauline Vailanu
- Pritney Tuiaki
- Vacuum cleaner
- Missionary visitation
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