Tonga Rugby Sevens Facing the Axe Amid Funding Crisis
Nukuʻalofa – August 6, 2025
Tonga’s national rugby sevens teams, both men’s and women’s, are on the verge of being disbanded due to a severe funding crisis and a lack of direct support from World Rugby. In an interview with ABC Radio Australia, Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) CEO Aisea Aholelei revealed that the union is seriously considering withdrawing its sevens teams from international competition, citing unsustainable costs and an uncertain future for the format.
Once close to joining the top tier of international sevens through the World Rugby Challenger Series, Tonga now finds itself slipping further away from the global stage. According to Aholelei, the union does not receive any specific funding for sevens. The limited resources available are directed towards the men’s and women’s 15-a-side teams, leaving the sevens programme struggling to survive.
“We’re seriously thinking of not putting our team together for international reasons,” Aholelei told ABC’s Richard Ewart. “It’s just too much for Tonga at the moment, especially with our funding situation.”
Aholelei expressed frustration at the lack of communication from World Rugby regarding the future structure of the international sevens calendar. He said the union has received no official updates on planned changes and has had to rely on rumours.
“I haven’t been informed of anything in regards to changes in the World Rugby Sevens,” he said. “I’ve heard whispers here and there, but nothing official. It’s hard to plan when you don’t even know what you’re planning for.”
Despite past success, including a Challenger Series campaign that nearly resulted in promotion, Tonga has repeatedly missed out due to decisions beyond its control. On one occasion, after qualifying for promotion, the number of teams in the top circuit was cut, ending Tonga’s hopes. Aholelei said this has been a recurring theme, with both participation and funding being reduced over the years.
The financial burden has fallen increasingly on players and management. With no dedicated funding for sevens, the TRU has asked teams to seek their own resources. Players have resorted to fundraising through social media and street collections just to cover travel and preparation costs.
“It’s not their job, it’s the union’s job, but we don’t have the funding,” Aholelei said. “Our teams are out asking for donations in the streets just to help with their campaigns.”
Asked whether the TRU had sought support from the Australian Government, which has heavily invested in Pacific sport, Aholelei said that while there is general assistance for Tongan rugby, none of it is specifically allocated to sevens. He added that any future funding would likely require a formal government-to-government request, which would take time and offers no guarantees.
“There is a lot of funding from the Australian government to support Pacific rugby, but not for our sevens programme. We’re not holding our breath,” he said.
Aholelei confirmed that the future of the national sevens programme will be discussed at the next TRU board meeting. Unless a new funding source is found, the teams may be withdrawn from international competition.
“We always believe we have the talent, but that’s not enough. The rest of it requires investment. Right now, we’re on the outside of everything that counts.”
The union hopes for a last-minute solution, but time is running out. Without new backing, Tonga’s national sevens presence may soon disappear from the world stage.
Source: Interview with Aisea Aholelei on ABC Radio Australia’s Pacific Beat, August 2025
