The New Zealand High Commission in Tonga has stepped in to ensure the country has live to air television coverage of the first match of the Rugby World Cup in two weeks time.
Tonga meets the New Zealand All Blacks in the opening game on September the 9th.
But the High Commissioner, Jonathan Austin, says it was looking likely that the match wouldn't be shown in Tonga, so the High Commission, along with other sponsors - ANZ, Heineken and the Tonga Communication Corporation - promised to meet the costs.
"This is basically something we are doing for the people of Tonga. As I say New Zealand is the host of the rugby World Cup. It's a big event for us but it's a big event for our region and of course Tonga is playing New Zealand in the opening game, so we thought it's pretty important that the people of Tonga get to see their team perform. I know there's been a lot of support for Tonga. Everyone today here is wearing red, in support of 'Ikale Tahi"
