The Tuvalu Rugby Union (TRU), founded in 2007 and led by President Mika Elisaia, is a full member of Oceania Rugby. Unlike most Pacific nations, rugby was not adopted during colonial rule — the sport was only formally organised in the 21st century. Today, eight clubs based on Funafuti, each representing a different island, compete in the Independence Cup and other domestic competitions.
Tuvalu competes internationally in rugby sevens at the Pacific Games and Oceania Sevens. The 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara saw the team's best-ever performance, winning two of four matches — including victories over Nauru and Tahiti — to finish 9th. The squad trained for two months in Fiji before the tournament.
The TRU runs a 'Get into Rugby' program in schools, supported by the Ministry of Education and Oceania Rugby. Under Elisaia's leadership, the union promotes gender equality and women's participation, reflecting a modern approach to growing the game across all of Tuvalu's nine atolls.
The men's national sevens team. Toa Tuvalu has played at four Pacific Games and six Oceania Sevens tournaments.
| Year | Tournament | Venue | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Oceania Sevens | Honiara, Solomon Islands | 4th |
| 2023 | Oceania Sevens | Ballymore, Brisbane | 11th |
| 2023 | Pacific Games | Honiara, Solomon Islands | 9th |
| 2019 | Pacific Games | Apia, Samoa | Competed |
| 2019 | Oceania Sevens | Suva, Fiji | Competed |
| 2018 | Oceania Sevens | Suva, Fiji | Competed |
| 2017 | Oceania Sevens | Suva, Fiji | Competed |
| 2013 | Oceania Sevens | Suva, Fiji | Competed |
| 2011 | Pacific Games | Noumea, New Caledonia | Competed |
| 2007 | Pacific Games | Apia, Samoa | Competed |
Eight clubs, all based on Funafuti. Some include players from the outer islands.
Tuvalu's main club tournament.
Rugby is played at Fetuvalu Secondary School on Funafuti and Motufoua Secondary School on Vaitupu. Both run their own tournaments. World Rugby's Get Into Rugby programme is part of the school curriculum.
Tuvalu's coaches are accredited with Oceania Rugby. Head coach Alama Elisaia has attended World Rugby and Oceania Rugby courses.
Tuvalu Sports Ground on Funafuti is the country's only playing field. It is shared with football.
Pacific Games dates cover the whole Games. Rugby dates will be confirmed by the organisers.
Mika Elisaia
President
Dr Jason Graham-Nye
Adviser, Partnerships and Programme Development
