Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga mourns the passing of Dr Viliami Fukofuka, the visionary statesman who helped establish rugby league in the Kingdom in 1986 and famously proclaimed it “a sport for Tonga.”
The former educator and politician passed away, leaving an indelible mark on Pacific sports history.
Dr Fukofuka, who worked alongside New Zealand-Tonga footballer George Mann to introduce the sport in the 1980s, often urged Tongan authorities to treat rugby league “a piece of gold.”
He championed the game as perfectly suited to Tongan athletes’ strength and agility, noting, “Our boys need to pick the ball and run—and they do it brilliantly.”
His passion was most evident during Tonga’s historic 2017 Rugby League World Cup campaign. Though heartbroken by the controversial semi-final decision against England (“They tarnished our boys’ excellence”), he wept with pride listening to radio broadcasts of Mate Ma’a Tonga’s matches, declaring: “God has put Tonga in a position we’re so proud of.”
From Pacific Cup to Global Stage
Dr. Fukofuka cherished Tonga’s 1986 Pacific Cup debut – a tournament so significant it drew royal attendance and featured skydiving displays.
Thirty years later, he witnessed his dream realised as thousands braved rain to celebrate MMT’s homecoming, with fans dancing on rooftops along Taufa’ahau Road and players receiving royal honours.
In his Kaniva News interview at his Popua home, the emotional pioneer reflected: “The world has witnessed how marvellous our boys played.”
His words echo today as Tongan athletes dominate global leagues, proving his enduring truth – rugby league truly is Tonga’s sport.
Democracy, Media, Leadership
Fukofuka was a close ally of Tonga’s global democratic defender, ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, who received the Defender of Democracy Award from Parliamentarians for Global Action for his early 1980s advocacy.
Fukofuka also served as editor of Kele’a, the newspaper Pōhiva established in 1986 to support their political campaigns.
Beyond his media role, Fukofuka was a Member of Parliament and Chief Executive Officer at the Ministry of Education.
