Sport in Tonga

Rugby union is the national sport, sumo has a following, while football, judo, surfing, volleyball, and cricket have gained popularity in recent years.

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

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.

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.

Those sides are Kolomu'a, Vaini, Mu'a Saints, Silapeluua (Ha'ateiho) Crusaders, Lapaha Knights, Ha'akame Broncos, Hihifo Rovers, Havelu Bulldogs, Halaloto Barbarians and Nakolo Raiders.

It is the largest number of teams and players participating in rugby league in Tongan history, with the National Schools Committee starting the Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 15s in 2008.

Offensive lineman Spencer Folau, born in Nuku'alofa, was a member of the Super Bowl XXXV champion Baltimore Ravens.

Tongan Americans currently playing in the NFL include Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Star Lotulelei of the Buffalo Bills.

New York Jets nose tackle Sione Pouha, Minnesota Vikings fullback Naufahu Tahi, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Moeaki; offensive guard Deuce Lutui, who was born in the Haʻapai division of the islands, played for the Cincinnati Bengals.

She sponsored Bruno Banani, real name Fuahea Semi,[4] who failed in the Qualification to the 2010 Winter Olympics,[5] but was 41st at 2009–10 Luge World Cup in Calgary.

Most recently, Taekwondo athlete Pita Taufatofua competed at the 2016 Olympic Games, where he did not make it past the first round but gained international recognition from his shirtless entry in the opening ceremonies Parade of Nations.