Rugby league is a popular team sport played in Tonga. History The Tongan national team was formed to enter the 1986 Pacific Cup. A domestic competition consisting of six clubs was launched in 1988. During the Super League war, Tonga joined the News Corp-backed Super League in June 1995. Competitions The Tongan Rugby League competition comprises 12 teams in the first division, and 7 in the second. Following the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, the competition was renamed the Jason Taumalolo Cup. Age-restricted competitions were also named for Manu Vatuvei, Solomone Kata, Konrad Hurrell and Tuimoala Lolohea. The 12 teams in the first division are: Capital Warriors Fuekafa Rabbitohs Ha'akame Broncos Ha'ateiho Spartans Halaloto Green Barbarians Havelu Bulldogs Kolomotu'a Eagles Lapaha Knights Lavengamalie Hurricanes Mu'a Saints Nakolo Raiders Silapeluua Crusaders Vaini Doves A The 7 teams in the second division are: Ha'ateiho Crusaders Hihifo Rovers Houma Tigers Kolomu'a Warriors Puke-Hofa Turtles Silapeluua Crusaders Vaini Doves B Participation First and Second Division There are 10 first division sides in the Global Insurance Cup and there are 9 in the second division. Only Kolomu'a Warriors (One of two Nuku'alofa Clubs) and the Vaini Doves have first and second division sides. The First Division sides have been, to a greater extent, regular participants in the competition since the inception of League in 1988. Those sides are Kolomu'a, Vaini, Mu'a Saints, Silapeluua (Ha'ateiho) Crusaders, Lapaha Knights, Ha'akame Broncos, Hihifo Rovers, Havelu Bulldogs, Halaloto Barbarians and Nakolo Raiders. The Second Division consists of a number of clubs that have participated infrequently over a number of years. However, regulars in the Second Division are Fatumu, Ha'ateiho Spartans and Ngalukilo Stormers. The most recent competition (2013) was won by the Kolomua Warriors who defeated the Ha'akame Broncos in the grand final at Teufaiva Stadium in front of approximately 2 000 spectators. School Competition Secondary Schools Competition started in 2007 with 5 teams in the under 18s competition and 8 teams in the Under 16s. Takuilau High School won the Under 18s competition and Liahona High School won the Under 16s competition. It is the largest number of teams and players participating in rugby league in Tongan history, with the National Schools Committee starting the Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 15s in 2008. In 2013 the Secondary Schools Competition featured 8 schools with teams competing in Under 13s, Under 15s, Under 17's and Open's competitions. Tupou High