The chief executive of Tonga Rugby says the official reopening of Teufaiva stadium last Friday has made the national team the 'Ikale Tahi whole again.
Tonga's Valentino Mapapalangi collides with Wales flyhalf Sam Davies. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand prime minister Bill English joined Tonga's prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva in Nuku'alofa for the reopening.
Around $US1.4 million has been committed by New Zealand to have the stadium upgraded to international standards.
Tonga's prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva (right) in an All Blacks jersey speaking at the reopening of Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa as New Zealand prime minister Bill English, in an 'Ikale Tahi jersey looks on. 16 June 2017 Photo: RNZI/ Nayte Mataia-Davidson
Next Saturday on July 1 the 'Ikale Tahi will play their first test on home soil in more than eight years, taking on Manu Samoa.
Tonga Rugby's Fe'ao Vunipola said he was expecting a full house.
"When the ball will be kicked off it will be relief, happiness you know, it is excitement. Imagine if this was Eden Park in Fiji or this is Twickenham. When you are being barred from playing your game here as your home you are not complete as a rugby player," said Fe'ao Vunipola.
Fe'ao Vunipola said following the Samoa test Tonga will play Fiji on July 8, after which the upgrading work is to continue.
