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Moana Pasifika to dedicate pre-season clash against Chiefs to Tonga
By Sam Smith
Moana Pasifika will use its first pre-season clash of the year against the Chiefs to help raise funds for Tonga after the Pacific Island nation was rocked by a volcanic eruption and tsunami last weekend.
The massive eruption of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai, and the ensuing tsunami it caused, resulted in devastation throughout Tonga, including at least three deaths and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.
Since then, various relief efforts have begun to help provide aid to victims, with Moana Pasifika jumping onboard by confirming on Friday that all proceeds from their clash against the Chiefs at Mt Smart Stadium on February 4 will be donated to Tonga.
“For Moana Pasifika this game has special meaning, not only is it our first historic hit-out at our home base Mt Smart Stadium, but it will also be about supporting the Tongan community in these really difficult times," Moana Pasifika Trust chairman Sir Michael Jones said.
“The Moana Pasifika family, the Chiefs whanau and the wider community will show their love and support for Tonga in the aftermath of the catastrophic events that have taken place since the weekend. At times like this, we are all Tongan.”
Moana Pasifika head coach Aaron Mauger added that his side, which features six Tongan internationals, wanted to show its "ofa (love)" in a meaningful way.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our families and friends in Tonga who are suffering some severe hardship right now," Mauger said.
"We wanted to show our ofa by supporting the relief efforts in a meaningful way. We will be dedicating our game to the people of Tonga.”
Moana Pasifika had the support of both Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan and Chiefs CEO Michael Collins, with Sky TV to broadcast the match on free-to-air television.
“We want to show our support for the people of Tonga and for their whanau and friends in Aotearoa New Zealand, and we’re delighted to be working with Moana Pasifika on this special broadcast," Sky TV chief executive Sophie Maloney said.
"Sky is donating our production and staff services and broadcasting the match on Sky Sport and free to air on Prime.
"We’re also working with the organisers to promote ways to support fundraising and other projects to help Tonga get back on its feet. Using ‘Sport for Good’ is one of our passions at Sky, and we’re pleased to get behind this special event.”
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Latest Comments
I'm very aware that GB is not UK.
Also that the British Isles are not the same as the British Islands.
I still think your objection to calling this a tour to the UK is stupid and pedantic.
I repeat what I send earlier, the Boks are not playing anywhere except in the UK.
It's legitimate therefore to call this a tour to the UK.
But this is boring now, goodnight, goodbye. And good luck with your crusade (that really doesn't have any bearing on what the article is discussing.)
Go to commentsHappy for Asher Opoku-Fordjour but why oh why is he the only new face, Borthwick didn't have to change 50% of the team but surely another 2 or 3 squad guys could have been given the chance to show what they could do? What can we possibly learn from this game other than we can beat Japan with a strong team.... hold the front page....!!
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