Rugby test won’t be played in Tonga

TONGA – Tonga’s test against Wales in June is likely to be shifted to the Auckland area because of safety and stadium issues in the Pacific Island.

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that the test, which would have been played in the Tongan capital Nuku’alofa on June 17 can no longer take place at the Teufaiva Sport Stadium, because of redevelopment work at the venue.

There are also issues about the state the pitch will be in and the Welsh Rugby Union have voiced concerns over the lack of medical facilities to cope to with a test match.

A delegation from the Welsh Rugby Union and World Rugby visited Tonga in December to see if sufficient progress had been made to get the stadium ready. Those concerns could not be satisfied.

World Rugby is now working with the Welsh and Tongan rugby unions to find a new venue for the game and Auckland is the favoured option.

Playing the test in Auckland will help with travel costs and there is also the opportunity to tap into the large Tongan community in Auckland.

When Tonga last played in New Zealand, fans of the rugby team almost brought Auckland Airport to a standstill during the 2011 World Cup, as they flocked there to see the team arrive.

Thousands of fans also came to Western Springs Stadium just to see the team take part in a training session.

There are three options on where to hold the test in the Auckland region, with North Harbour Stadium possibly the leading contender as Eden Park could be seen as being too big and it has better facilities than Growers Stadium in Pukekohe.

The test will take place on June 17, the same day as the British and Irish Lions take on the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua.

There were also concerns about Wales’ test against Samoa on June 24 in Apia, but those issues have been resolved.

However, Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies said they are disappointed at not being able to play a test in Tonga for the first time since 1994.

“Everyone involved in the planning for this tour wanted the game to be hosted in Tonga and this is the reason we have delayed before confirming the fixture,” Davies said.

“The Tonga Rugby Union should be commended for their efforts in relation to the redevelopment of their national stadium, but unfortunately time has proved to be against us all and, although difficult, it is the right decision to move the game.”

- Fairfax Media