A new milestone in the growing partnership between Tonga Rugby Union, Rugby Australia and the Australian Government will be marked this September, with the inaugural contest of the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy (Friendship Trophy) bringing together First Nations and Pasifika cultures through rugby.
Building on the momentum of the First Nations & Pasifika XV’s historic 2025 match against the British and Irish Lions, the side will travel to Tonga to take on Tongan President’s XV selected exclusively from locally based players.
The historic fixture, to be held on Friday 4 September at Teufaiva Stadium, will deliver elite rugby to Tonga, creating a historic occasion for rugby fans across Tonga and the wider Pacific.
Tonga Rugby Union, with the support of the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program will host the touring side for a week of cultural exchange, community engagement, and rugby development activities in the lead-up to the match. The program will include school visits and cultural leadership sessions, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.
The teams will compete for the inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy, meaning “Close Friends” in Tongan, recognising the strong and enduring connection between Tonga and Australia, and a shared commitment to growing the game across the Pacific.
The Player of the Match from each team will be awarded with the inaugural Anthony and Saia Fainga’a Medals, named in honour of former Wallabies twins Anthony and Saia Fainga’a, who proudly represent both First Nations and Tongan heritage and have inspired generations of players across Australia and the Pacific.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with Tonga Rugby Union and Rugby Australia to support the First Nations and Pasifika XV tour to Tonga and the inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy.
The tour and match will celebrate our shared passion for rugby and create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and connection.
It highlights Australia's growing commitment to First Nations engagement across the Pacific and the important role sport plays in bringing our nations closer together.”
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Fatafehi Kinikinilau Lolomanaʻia Fakafānua
“The Kaume’a Ofi Trophy is a fitting symbol of the close friendship between our nations. The inaugural tour highlights the important role strengthening collaboration between Tonga Rugby Union, Rugby Australia and the Australian Government plays in growing the sport.
We look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on our young people and the future of rugby in Tonga.”
Quotes attributable to Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh:
“We are excited to see the First Nations & Pasifika XV travel to Tonga and represent communities that have contributed so much to our game. This match builds on the success of the 2025 First Nations & Pasifika side that faced the British and Irish Lions and reflects the continued growth of this program as an important high-performance and cultural pathway.
Working alongside Tonga Rugby Union, this tour provides a valuable opportunity for players to gain international experience, while strengthening rugby pathways across the Pacific as we build towards Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
The opportunity to compete for the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy and honour the legacy of the Fainga'a brothers makes this a particularly special occasion for everyone involved.”
Quotes attributable to former Wallaby, Anthony Fainga’a:
“To have the Player of the Match medal named after Saia and me is incredibly humbling and something our family is very proud of.
Our First Nations and Tongan heritage has shaped who we are, both on and off the field, and it is special to see players given opportunities to celebrate those connections through rugby.
I hope the Anthony and Saia Fainga'a Medals inspire players to represent their culture, their communities and their families with pride.”
Quotes attributable to Tonga Rugby Union CEO, Aisea Aholelei:
“Tonga Rugby Union is delighted to host the First Nations & Pasifika XV for what will be a historic occasion for rugby in our country.
This match will provide a valuable international opportunity for our locally based players, exposing them to higher-level competition and supporting their continued development.
We thank the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program and value our close partnership with Rugby Australia in delivering this initiative.
We look forward to welcoming the team to Tonga, sharing our culture, our communities and our passion for rugby, and creating an experience that will stay with everyone involved for years to come.”
