On 14th January this year, a very large volcanic eruption on Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai – an uninhabited island, 40 miles north of Tongatapu – the country of Tonga’s main island began!

The eruption reached its climax on Sat 15th January causing tsunamis in Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, and along the Pacific Rim. At least three people lost their lives in Tonga. Some were injured and many more remain missing after 15m high waves hit the main island!

The tsunami caused widespread damage to the island and all communication was cut off due to a damaged undersea cable. More than 50 homes were destroyed and another 100 severely damaged. Whilst the waves and water have subsided, the tsunami will have a long-term impact on the islands and people of Tonga – the volcanic ash has contaminated water supplies, cut off communications, and hindered surveillance flights to allow relief efforts to begin!

Members and longer-term followers of Ampthill & District Rugby Club will be aware that we have been proud to be represented by many Tongan International players over the past ten years. We first signed Vili Ma’asi, now Head Coach of our 1881’s, in 2012, and he was subsequently joined by Maama Molitika, Aleki Lutui, Paino He’hea, Soane Tonga’uiha and most recently Leon Fukofuka – Leon is a current International and played against England at Wembley in November 2021 whilst Aleki still plays for our 1st XV in The Championship! These players are credited with being a driving force behind the progress of Ampthill’s 1st XV to The Championship, but have also contributed hugely to the club helping with coaching our Mini & Youth age groups and Academy Teams!

Now it is the club’s turn to give something back to Tonga! Over the next few weeks and months, we will be holding various fundraising events to assist the Tonga Tsunami Relief project. This started with a bucket collection at Saturday’s game against Jersey Reds which raised £610! We will be organizing a social event for all members and supporters either at the Club or elsewhere in the Town! We will also have our annual Rugby Club Dinner & Dance on 7th May to help with fundraising! We hope that you will join us in some of these events but to kickstart things the Committee has decided to start the Club’s own GoFundMe page so that our members, supporters, and sponsors can begin to assist the relief project!

If you have any ideas as to how you can help with fundraising, we would love to hear from you –Tonga@ampthillrufc