Moana Pasifika assistant coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua (left), and 'Ikale Tahi head coach Tevita Tuifua at the North Harbour Stadium on Thursday. Photo: RNZ Pacific Photo: RNZ Pacific
The Tongan rugby coaching staff will consider bringing in more experienced players, especially those playing club rugby in Europe, for the 2025 test rugby season, head coach Tevita Tuifua says.
Spending a day with Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium in Albany last week, Tuifua and his coaching team had the opportunity to witness firsthand the work being done by the franchise club's coaches.
Tuifua told RNZ Pacific that he wanted to ensure he had the right mix of players, while also making sure the coaching staff had a strong pool of players to work with.
He said the coaching staff had already discussed their plans with Tonga Rugby Union to ensure the national squad was able to play with consistency next year and beyond.
The focus this year had been on lifting the skills and rugby knowlege of their local-based players by giving them an opportunity to play for the 'Ikale Tahi in test matches, he said.
This meant many experienced overseas-based players plying their trade in Europe were left out, he said.
"We wanted to make sure that we are able to have our own pool of local players and those playing in New Zealand and Australia who we can call upon," Tuifua said.
"That is important for our growth moving forward. We have seen what happens when the Europe-based players are not available and we have to run around to find players.
"So our strategy is to upskill our players and have that pool of players ready when we need them."
'Ikale Tahi captain Ben Tameifuna ready to lead his side out against Fiji. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
Despite calls by some for changes to the Tonga coaching line-up, Tuifua said people needed to understand the group's focus.
"We are playing test matches, which is good because that is what our players need," he said.
"But, as I have said, we need to make sure that we have that consistency with our players so the only way we can do that at the moment is give them opportunities to play test matches.
"We have seen some very good talent and am sure if they are mixed in with experienced players, they will lift and they will become better.
"Yes, we acknowledge that we were not as successful as what many would have wanted us to be, but I hope they understand that we are building up and will only get better if we do what we need to do, setting the foundation right."
Local player pool
'Ikale Tahi captain Ben Tameifuna (back) and Tupou Ma'afu Afu work on a lineout move. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
Bridging the gap back home was critical, he said.
The Tonga Rugby Union is working with Japan in the management of its TRU Academy, which is headed by another 'Ikale Tahi, Siua Taumalolo.
Tuifua said the academy was focused on upskilling players in the 18- to 20-year bracket.
"That is very important, that we have that continuity," he said.
He believed improvements would come once the academy set-up was fully functioning.
"That's going to be a bonus," Tuifua said.
He pointed to the Fijian Drua set-up, which boosted Fiji Rugby and directly affected the Flying Fijians.
"That's what we are trying to emulate here," he said.
"The Flying Fijians have done well because they have the Drua set-up and their high performance unit plus the under-20s through the academy."
Big year in 2025
2025 will be a big year for the 'Ikale Tahi, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers being the most important assignment on the schedule for them.
Tuifua said that was the primary focus, with plenty needing to be done over the next few months.
Tonga will compete in the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup, which will also double as a qualifier for the world tournament.
The 'Ikale Tahi and Manu Samoa will have to be at their best to qualify for the final 24.
Beyond that?
Tuifua wanted to see more internationals for his side, with some match-ups against Tier One teams.
"That is what we will then need, more games so our players can have more game time," he said.
"And if we can get some hit ups against Tier Ones that would be great."
Tuifua said the pre-season work to train players and schedule matches would continue, looking forward also to the 2025 Super Rugby Series.
"There are a lot of players also playing for Moana Pasifika and the other franchise clubsides in Super Rugby, so that will also be something we will follow with interest," he said.
Tuifua and his coaching team are contracted to the end of the 2027 World Cup.