[1] Since then, the main influence has been from New Zealand,[2] as well as the neighbouring Pacific Islands of Samoa and Fiji, which not unlike Tonga perform far beyond their small population bases.

[2] Like Fiji and Samoa, they have a strong tendency towards rugby sevens, which suits their population and geography, and have performed well at the Hong Kong tournament.

[2] Notable Tongan players include: Rugby union is the national sport of Tonga and as in the rest of Polynesia is a way of life.

Young talent often emigrates to or is poached by countries which offer greater prospects of individual success such as New Zealand, Australia and Europe.

Many players of Tongan descent e.g. Jonah Lomu, Israel Folau, Viliami "William" ʻOfahengaue, Malakai Fekitoa, Ben Afeaki, Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Sekope Kepu, George Smith, Wycliff Palu, Sitaleki Timani, Salesi Ma'afu, Anthony and Saia Fainga'a, Mark Gerrard, Cooper Vuna, Doug Howlett, Toutai Kefu and Tatafu Polota-Nau have played for either the All Blacks or the Wallabies.

Finau Maka, Telusa Veainu, Lopeti Timani, Charles Riechelmann and Pita Alatini are also of Tongan descent.

The money coming back from Tongan players playing rugby abroad is Tonga's second biggest export after squash.

In the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Tonga won its first two matches, against the USA 25–15, and Samoa 19–15; and came very close to upsetting the eventual winners of the 2007 tournament, the South African Springboks, losing 30–25.

Nevertheless, by picking up third place in their pool games behind South Africa and England, Tonga earned automatic qualification for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.