Moana Pasifika will dedicate their Super Rugby Pacific pre-season match against the Chiefs to the Tonga relief efforts.
Fans from Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau and the Chiefs region are invited to attend the pre-season game on Friday 4 February at Mt Smart Stadium (kick off 7.05pm) with all proceeds and donations going towards supporting Tongan disaster relief efforts. This follows the recent eruption of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai island and the Tonga ‘Ofa Atu Tonga’ (Love You Tonga) relief efforts being put in place.
Moana Pasifika Trust chair Savae Sir Michael Jones says “For Moana Pasifika this game has special meaning, not only is it our first historic hit-out at our home base Mt Smart Stadium, but it will also be about supporting the Tongan community in these really difficult times.
“The Moana Pasifika family, the Gallagher Chiefs whānau and the wider community will show their love and support for Tonga in the aftermath of the catastrophic events that have taken place since the weekend. At times like this, we are all Tongan.”
Head Coach Aaron Mauger says “Our thoughts and prayers are with our families and friends in Tonga who are suffering some severe hardship right now. We wanted to show our ofa by supporting the relief efforts in a meaningful way. We will be dedicating our game to the people of Tonga.”
Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Michael Collins says “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the recent eruption in Tonga. We’re encouraging our Chiefs whānau to head along to support the cause while being a part of history, witnessing our Gallagher Chiefs take on Moana Pasifika at Mt Smart Stadium for the very first time”
Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan says “We are looking forward to our pre-season match against Moana Pasifika. They have assembled a very good squad, and anticipate they will bring plenty of passion, physicality and flair to the table. We are also highly supportive of the game promoting the fundraising efforts for those affected in Tonga. For us, our pre-season games are all about players putting their hand up for starting spots and collectively showing a lot of positive intent in everything we do. It should be a great game”.
Sky Chief Executive, Sophie Moloney says, “We want to show our support for the people of Tonga and for their whānau and friends in Aotearoa New Zealand, and we’re delighted to be working with Moana Pasifika on this special broadcast. Sky is donating our production and staff services and broadcasting the match on Sky Sport and free to air on Prime. We’re also working with the organisers to promote ways to support fundraising and other projects to help Tonga get back on its feet. Using ‘Sport for Good’ is one of our passions at Sky, and we’re pleased to get behind this special event.”
Tickets are on sale today. Purchased online, adult tickets are $10 excluding booking fees and children 14 years and under can enter under adult supervision with a gold coin donation per child. All purchases/donations will go towards supporting the Tongan disaster relief efforts. Seating in the stadium is unallocated via general admission.
Fans can also make a donation online when purchasing tickets. Tickets purchased on game day will be $15 plus a booking fee for adults with children under 14 still able to access this historical event for a gold coin donation.
