Girls in Tonga will be banned from playing rugby in schools after Education Minister Penisimani Fifita issued a statement saying it was against Tongan traditions and culture for girls to play rugby.
There has been strong backlash against the government over the decision; Australian international player of Tongan descent Caroline Fairs says the ban is ludicrous.
Services manager for Oceania Bruce Cook said “when girls play rugby they transcend the gender limits set on females."