Former Tongan rugby union player and coach Polutele Tu’ihalamaka has claimed that an opportunity for two former All Blacks head coaches to assist the kingdom’s national rugby team was allegedly turned down.
Tu’ihalamaka made these remarks during the national development summit held in Nuku‘alofa last week.
Speaking at the event, he expressed concerns over the ‘Ikale Tahi team’s declining performance since their European tour last year, emphasizing the need for strategic improvements to revive the team’s competitiveness.
The ‘Ikale Tahi tour of Europe last year ended in nine consecutive loss out of 10 games raising significant concerns and increasing the pressure on coach Tevita Tuifua as he seeks to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Early this year, the Ikale Tahi management announced its plan to qualify the national team for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. RNZ reported that qualifiers will be held during the Pacific Nations Cup series, scheduled for late July this year.
Tu’ihalamaka became visibly emotional as he reminisced about his playing days. He recalled when they represented the nation without financial reward, driven solely by pride and love for the country.
Former All Blacks coaches
He claimed that a Tongan individual based in New Zealand had applied for the ‘Ikale Tahi coaching position but was rejected.
While he did not name the individual, Tu’ihalamaka alleged that this person had traveled to Tonga with former All Blacks head coaches Sir Graham Henry and Wayne Smith to support his application.
He further asserted that there were promises of sponsorship for the team from the trio.
Kaniva News understands that Henry and Smith had visited Tonga alongside their timber business partner, Siliva Payn, a Tongan living in Auckland in 2023.
Their agenda reportedly included promoting their timber business, conducting rugby coaching training, and visiting secondary schools.
‘Ikale Tahi authorities could not be reached for comment.
