Ryan Tongia

Ryan Tongia (born 31 May 1990, in Brisbane) is a professional rugby league and rugby union footballer. He is currently based out of Hawke's bay in New Zealand. Tongia is of Papua New Guinean, Chinese and German descent, but was born and raised in Australia. His position is right or left wing, or fullback. He is a Papua New Guinea rugby league international. Tongia was not an age grade star growing up, but through hard work and determination he worked his way to the pros. He got his first real taste of professional rugby league at the Cronulla Sharks [NRL] before moving to Wakefield Trinity in the [Super League]. Tongia changed to Rugby Union in 2013. He played for the Otago Highlanders in New Zealand in 2015 and 2016. He has also played for Hawke's Bay and Southland in the NPC (New Zealand Provincial Competition) known as Mitre 10 cup previously. (rugby union)| Tongia also spent time in Europe playing for Avignon Bayonne (rugby union) SUA (rugby union) in French Top 14 & Pro-D2 respectively.

Ryan Tongia
Birth nameRyan Phillip Tongia
Date of birth (1990-05-31) 31 May 1990
Place of birthBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight86 kg (13 st 8 lb; 190 lb)
Rugby league career
Position(s) Fullback, Wing
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2011 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 4 (8)
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2010 Papua New Guinea 2 (4)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing, Fullback, Center
Current team Waikato
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014–2016 Hawke's Bay 31 (95)
2015–2016 Highlanders 4 (20)
2016−2017 Bayonne 6 (0)
2017 Agen 6 (0)
2017 Southland 9 (3)
2021 Waikato 4 (5)
Correct as of 20 November 2021

He now runs a business [F45 Hastings NZ] coaching health and fitness, Helping hundreds of people become fitter, healthier and happier versions of themselves.

Playing career

During his time playing rugby league for the Gold Coast Titans, Tongia did not play first grade but played in the Toyota Cup. He played two matches for Papua New Guinea in the 2010 Rugby League Four Nations. Tongia also played for the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in 2011.

2014–16

Being unsuccessful on securing an NRL contract, Tongia made the decision to switch to rugby union in late 2013. He took part in the Noosa International Sevens tournament at the end of 2013, impressing enough people to be invited to the Australian sevens training camp.[1] He then moved to New Zealand, in July 2014, it was announced that Tongia had signed a one-season contract with Hawke's Bay for 2014 after impressing at club rugby level.[2] He became a key member and a star performer in their ITM Cup campaign, winning the Ranfurly Shield and making the Championship final. He also was the competition's leading overall top try-scorer, scoring 10 tries. It saw Tongia achieve a Super Rugby contract, after signing with Dunedin-based franchise the Highlanders for two years as a member of their wider training group.[3]

Tongia was cited for foul play during a trial match for the Highlanders prior to the 2015 Super Rugby season. He was alleged for dangerous tackling when he tackled Robbie Coleman in the air against the Brumbies in January. The referee for the match, Matt O'Brien, issued a red card for the incident which occurred in the 59th minute.[4] Tongia was cleared of foul play, the red card was later removed from his record and would face no further punishment after it was revealed it was an incorrect call.[5] He made his Super Rugby debut in the wing position against the Cheetahs. He scored twice within 18 minutes of kick-off after a 45–24 victory.[6]

2017–19

After a brief stint for the Agen club in France to play Pro14 rugby, Tongia joined Southland.[7]

2021

On 23 October 2021, Tongia debuted for Waikato in the National Provincial Championship at fullback in their unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield challenge against Hawke's Bay at McLean Park, Napier.[8]

References
  1. "Profiling New Highlander - Ryan Tongia". Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  2. "O'Connor ticks all the boxes says Philpott". Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  3. "Tongia out to earn teammates' respect". 5 December 2014. Retrieved 5 December 2014.
  4. "RYAN TONGIA TO FACE JUDICIAL HEARING". Retrieved 3 February 2015.
  5. "Tongia cleared of foul play". 3 February 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
  6. "Highlanders beat Cheetahs 45-24 as Ryan Tongia scores two tries in Super Rugby debut". ABC News. 16 May 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
  7. "Former rugby league player and model Ryan Tongia 'excited' by new rugby opportunity with the Southland Stags". 28 July 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  8. "Waikato team named for Ranfurly Shield Challenge in Napier". Waikato Rugby Union (Press release). 22 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
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