As the world’s top rugby teams arrived in Auckland, New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup (RWC), no team was greeted by a larger or more enthusiastic crowd than Tonga’s Ikale Tahi, known for its members’ ferocity, discipline, and never-ending commitment. More than 7,000 fans waited for their plane and greeted the players with deafening cheers. The loyal fans drowned out the arrival ceremony with their jubilant celebration. Marketing Executives Marianne Cherrington, Tevita Maka, and Tevita Pasi, who are the team’s FreeLife® contacts, and Australian Country Manager Bernie Birch were on-hand to provide the Tongan players and coach with FreeLife products and GoChi® shirts before their opening game against the host team, the All Blacks. The Tongan team was very gracious and excited to receive support from the FreeLife Family.
Those who met these young men were touched by their humility and dignity. It became obvious they play for their country because of their love of rugby, their nation, and a deep connection to their heritage. The Kingdom of Tonga is comprised of 176 islands in the South Pacific Ocean east of Australia and New Zealand.
FreeLife wishes them the best throughout the Rugby World Cup, which runs from 9 September-23 October.
