Tonga’s much applauded rugby team, the Ikale Tahi, enjoyed the events of yesterday’s celebration when they were granted an audience with His Majesty King George Tupou V.

Upon their return from playing a much anticipated game against England, the team were greeted with a mass of passionate fans at Fua’amotu airport, where they slowly made their way back to the centre of Nuku’alofa.

The team were granted an audience with His Majesty the next day at former British Residence Polata’ane.

Her Royal Highness Princess Latufuipeka Tuku’aho and Hon. Fanetupouvava’u Tu’ivakano were among members of the Royal family present to initially greet the team and their Officials prior to the audience.

A session of photographs were taken in the gardens before the team proceeded inside the Royal residence, where a presentation of Gifts were made to His Majesty by Team Coach Kutusi Fielea.

Following a ‘Thank You’ speech made on behalf of His Majesty, by traditional attendant Mafi-tō-he Sopu-‘o-Taufa’ahau, a Royal photograph session was taken.

The audience concluded with the demonstration of the teams’ Sipitau in honour of His Majesty where they received a standing ovation.

Also present at this auspicious occasion were the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Fred Sevele and the Minister of Youth, Training and Sports, Hon. Tu’ivakano.