Tonga's rugby union side has been active since 1924, when it picked up a debut win at home against Fiji. Matches against Fiji continued to be played regularly - and often brutally - as the team's rivalry intensified through the years. Tonga's physical reputation endured as they began playing more matches against European and Australasian opponents, but the team has increasingly been seen as a skilful side, too. They have appeared at all but one Rugby World Cup, and even upset the odds to beat France at the 2011 tournament, though they failed to progress past the pool stage.
Tonga is also famous for its pre-match war dance, the Sipi Tau.
