Super Rugby Pacific have confirmed the ‘Tries for Tonga initiative’, which will see $500 per try donated for the Red Cross Pacific Tsunami Appeal.
The initiative will run across the first ten rounds of the competition, culminating with the historic Super Round at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Rugby Australia (RA) and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have teamed up with their respective broadcast partners Stan Sport, Nine and Sky to support the fundraising effort as Tonga continues to recover.
“We’re pleased to be able to partner with New Zealand Rugby, Stan Sport and Nine and Sky to bring this initiative to life,” RA CEO Andy Marinos said in a statement.
“The Hunga Tonga eruption and tsunami has had a devastating impact on the people of Tonga and the surrounding region. As a Rugby community, we felt it was important to bind together and contribute to the relief efforts, as the Tongan community play an important role in our Rugby ecosystem.
“I’d like to thank our broadcast partner Stan Sport and Nine along with our joint venture partner New Zealand Rugby and their broadcaster Sky for their collaboration and support in this initiative.”
Stan Director of Sport Ben Kimber added: “At Stan Sport we’re delighted to be supporting the fantastic Tries For Tonga initiative.
“It has been an incredibly challenging time for the Tongan community and we hope this will contribute much needed funds to help our friends across the Pacific. We’re looking forward to the season kicking off next Friday and to see the tries start to stack up from some great Rugby.”
The initiative comes as clubs complement it with their own fundraising efforts, with the Vintage Reds XV to take on Tongan Invitational XV ahead of their opener against the Rebels.
“The Tongan people have contributed, and continue to contribute, so much to our game, so it is only right that Rugby is there to support one of our closest Pacific neighbours in their time of need. We hope Tries for Tonga can provide a meaningful boost to the Red Cross’ ongoing relief efforts,” NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson said.
Sky Chief Executive Sophie Moloney added: “We’ve long supported many great initiatives in sport and culture in Aotearoa New Zealand and this new project is a perfect fit for Sky. Our Sky Sport for Good programme has already seen some action in 2022 with an incredible fundraising result in the recent Moana Pasifika and Gallagher Chiefs pre-season match.
“It’s important to our whānau that Sky makes a meaningful contribution to our wider community, and we’re delighted to be part of Tries for Tonga. It will give added impetus to each of the teams playing in Super Rugby Pacific.”
SOURCE: RUGBY.COM.AU/ PACNEWS
