Wales' match with Tonga to be moved
Friday 17 February 2017 13:45, UK
Wales’ tour match against Tonga this summer will be relocated from the South Sea island due to ground works delays at the Teufaiva Sport Stadium.
World Rugby and the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed that the Test match on June 17 will have to be held in another country.
Ground works at the stadium in Nuku'alofa are running behind schedule which means a pitch is unlikely to be ready for the match.
An WRU spokesperson said: "Given the significant logistics involved in hosting an international touring Test team, it was agreed by all parties that it would be prudent to move forward with alternative venue arrangements to ensure that the Test match could still take place in June at an appropriate facility.
"Discussions are taking place with alternative venues to host the match on the same weekend in June."
Wales play Samoa in Apia on June 24 and the Tonga fixture is now likely to be relocated to New Zealand.
WRU chairman Gareth Davies added: "Everyone involved in the planning for this tour wanted the game to be hosted in Tonga, and this is the reason we have delayed before confirming the fixture.
"The Tonga Rugby Union should be commended for their efforts in relation to the redevelopment of their national stadium, but unfortunately, time has proved to be against us all and, although difficult, it is the right decision to move the game."
