Tongan fans in Fiji are gearing up to pack the HFC Bank Stadium today as their women’s team faces Samoa in the Pacific Championships. The anticipation is palpable, with this match acting as a qualifier for the World Cup and providing a pathway to the Bowl final in Auckland.
Phoebe, a devoted supporter and proud Tongan Fijian, expressed her deep connection to the team. “Tonga has always been home for me. I’m so proud of how far our girls have come in rugby,” she stated. She highlighted the once-rare nature of women’s rugby in Tonga, but noted that they are now making significant strides in the sport.
Many fans, including Phoebe, celebrate the growth of women’s rugby and the positive impact it has on the community. The Penitani sisters are particularly celebrated among fans for their contributions to the sport. “It’s not just one sister, but two of them! It’s amazing to see whole families joining the sport,” one fan remarked.