Teufaiva Stadium has been given the all clear to host Tonga's Pacific Nations Cup rugby tests against Samoa and Fiji next month.
The 'Ikale Tahi have not played on home soil since 2009, while next Friday's test against Wales was relocated to Auckland because the field was deemed unfit for play.
A final ground inspection was made by World Rugby officials last week in Nuku'alofa, following the Oceania Rugby AGM, where final sign off was given.
Looking to the gates at Teufaiva (May 2017). Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta
Tonga Rugby CEO Fe'ao Vunipola said they were thankful for the support of the government, pitch consultants and the contractors who had carried out the work to get Teufaiva ready for test match rugby.
"It's massive. It has been eight long years 'Ikale Tahi have been playing in exile, playing overseas and Tongan people always look forward to bringing them home, hosting them here," he said.
"This is a golden opportunity for them to perform here, particularly with Rugby World Cup 2019 qualificaition against Fiji and Samoa.
"Home advantage is huge so hopefully we can draw on that, provide incentives and extra motivation for the boys to perform well."
Looking to the main stand (May 2017). Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta
Fe'ao Vunipola said the playing area was ready to go and upgrades to the grandstand and facilties would be completed later this month.
"Works is running in accordance to a schedule being set," he said.
"After the Oceania AGM we went around with World Rugby personnel and had the final inspection and they gave us the thumbs up so everything is tip-top and ready to go."
View from the main stand (May 2017). Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta
