Tonga traditionally play in a predominately red jerseys with white sides and socks, they are commonly referred to as the mate ma'a tonga which when translated means Die for Tonga. The Tongan emblem is a red and blue badge with a rugby ball and the mate ma'a written across it. Tonga internationals are played at a variety of venues throughout the country, though it is Mangweni Stadium in the capital of Nuku'alofa that is most commonly used.
Tonga played their first international match against Western Samoa in Apia, Samoa in November 1988, going down by 40-30. Since then they have played in the Pacific Cup winning it in 1994 and 2006. They have also appeared in 2 World Cups in 1995 and 2000, they also play against sides such as England, France and New Zealand and have the claim to fame of being the first team to qualify for the 2008 World Cup.
Some well known names in the game have pulled on the red shirt of Tonga, a few of which are: Jim Dymock, John Hopoate, Willie Mason, Tevita Vaikona and Lesley Vainikolo who went on to play for England in the Union code.
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