Clash with Sāmoa looms as ’Ikale Tahi aim for historic Pacific Nations Cup victory

The ‘Ikale Tahi are entering the Pacific Nations Cup at a crucial time, with players and coaches stressing that unity, culture, and faith must underpin their campaign.

The 2025 Pacific Nations Cup(PNC) kicks off this Friday, with Tonga placed in Pool A alongside Fiji and Sāmoa. Tonga’s opening match is against Sāmoa on Saturday at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa, followed by a clash with Fiji in Suva on 30 August.

Nili Latu, the former ‘Ikale Tahi captain and current assistant coach, says it is an important time for the team, aiming to turn this “one-off opportunity” into a World Cup playing position. Latu says that with limited time and funding, the team must come together.

“We're targeting to qualify straight away. We don't want to go through the repechage knowing that if we don't qualify, we don't qualify at all for the World Cup,” Latu says.

“Rugby itself could die out in the islands because the funding will be going somewhere else. We know the challenge and we don't take it lightly. We pray that we do have the funding to get this camp on the way.”

While Fiji and Japan have already qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The tournament offers three qualification spots for other Pacific and North American sides. ’Aisea Aholelei, chief executive of the Tonga Rugby Union, says securing a playing position is the team's top priority.

Listen to Nili Latu’s full interview below.

“Everything that we are planning is geared towards qualifying for the World Cup 2027. World Rugby has moved the qualification to this year and that is the priority for the ‘Ikale Tahi,” Aholelei says.

Latu explains that their campaign is grounded in identity and culture. He says while rugby will “take care of itself”, understanding one’s cultural heritage and history is essential. Latu points out that many players were born outside of Tonga, with some never having visited their homeland or experienced the upbringing that those living on the island have had.

“So it's important to connect them through their parents, grandparents, and understanding who we are as people, our culture and putting God first. That’s one thing that [head coach Tevita Tu'ifua], from the get-go, was really big on: our faith. Knowing the struggles that we go through, but knowing that God is there and so we can overcome any storm on the way,” he says.

On matters of faith, Latu says it remains central to the team’s vision, especially as it reflects value instilled by King Tupou I, Tonga’s first ruler. He says that they aim to “conquer and unite our people” throughout their campaign. Latu also reflects on the importance of the Pacific rivalry.

“Every time you get to play Sāmoa, it's one of those games you don't want to miss out on, knowing that our bloodline does go all the way to Sāmoa and vice versa as well. It brings the best out of both countries and our men,” he says.

“It's going to be a special occasion for Sāmoa and us being in Tonga. So a lot of emotion at the same time but I'm sure we’ll get it right with our boys and preparation. We want to play the best rugby that we can, especially at home. We know that Sāmoa is going to come for us as it's the process of getting the little things right.”

This weekend's matches. Photo/Facebook/Tonga Rugby Union

Looking ahead, Latu says a Pacific Nations Cup victory would be historic, especially considering Tonga have never won a PNC. He says scoring a victory would be a milestone not just for Tonga as a nation, but for Tongans worldwide.

“We want to leave a legacy behind this year that we are ready. That's something we want to leave back for the next generation. So knowing that we never won it, that's our mission.” Latu asks supporters for their prayers.

“We do understand why rugby’s sort of left out in the cold a little bit. But we understand the mission is to conquer and unite our people and that's all we could ask for is for their prayers. Be patient with us, but I believe we're on the right track and we're just looking forward to the campaign this year.”

The 2025 Pacific Nations Cup kicks off on Friday, 22 August. Tonga begin their Pool A campaign when they meet Samoa on Saturday, 23 August at Teufaiva Sport Stadium in Nukuʻalofa, with kickoff around 2 pm NZST.

The showdown continues on 30 August, when Tonga face Fiji in Suva. Pool B features Canada, Japan and the USA.

The tournament builds through the group phase to semi-finals on 14 September in Denver, Colorado, with the action concluding around 20 September.

New Zealand rugby fans can watch the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup live on Sky Sport’s TV channels or stream it live through Sky Sport Now.