Super Rugby: ‘Tries for Tonga’ campaign to aid relief efforts

Super Rugby Pacific has launched a campaign called ‘Tries for Tonga’ where $500 will be donated to the Red Cross Pacific Tsunami Appeal for each try in the opening 10 rounds of the competition.

Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby have partnered with broadcasting companies Stan Sport, Nine and Sky to allow the initiative to take place. 

The fundraising initiative will culminate in Round 10 when all 12 Super Rugby Pacific teams are scheduled to gather in Melbourne for a Super Round over ANZAC weekend.

RA chief executive Andy Marinos said: “We’re pleased to be able to partner with New Zealand Rugby, Stan Sport and Nine, and Sky to bring this collaborative initiative to life.

“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.”

NZR chief executive Mark Robinson says there had been a shared desire across the rugby community to make a sustained contribution to the Tonga relief effort since the volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami devastated the Pacific nation last month.

“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,” Robinson said.

“Our joint venture partner Rugby Australia, our players on both sides of the Tasman, and our broadcast partner Sky didn’t hesitate to jump on board, and DHL’s generous up-front donation [of $20,000] has reinforced