24 Aug 2019

Sport: Tonga coach says Western Force fixture good for home fans

1:08 pm on 24 August 2019
Tonga coach Toutai Kefu.

Tonga coach Toutai Kefu. Photo: Photosport

Rugby fans in Tonga will be treated to a rare home game for the Ikale Tahi who take on the Western Force this afternoon in Nuku'alofa.

Tonga's coach Toutai Kefu says hosting the Australian club side at home is all about connecting with the fans.

The Western Force have been in the kingdom all week and their coach Tim Sampson said it is a special occasion and they are honoured to be part of Tonga's preparations for the Rugby World Cup in Japan next month.

Toutai Kefu said the fixture is an important one for their World Cup build up because home matches for the national side have been few and far between over the past decade.

Kick off is at 3pm local time.

Next weekend Tonga will play Fiji in New Zealand before taking on the All Blacks week after in their final preparation test before the World Cup.