Contact:

Malia Katoa

Marketing Executive, Digicel Tonga

Malia.Katoa@digicelgroup.com

+676 875 9595

DIGICEL ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP OF RUGBY IN TONGA

Friday July 24, 2008 – Nuku’alofa Tonga: Digicel, the fastest growing mobile operator in the Pacific, recently announced the first major rugby sponsorship in the history of Tongan Rugby Football Union (TRFU).

Digicel announced its sponsorship of the “Ikale Tahi” during the official ceremony held at the International Dateline Hotel on the 11^th July. The event was attended by members and guests of Tonga Rugby Football Union (TRFU) and staff of Digicel Tonga Limited. The key note address was delivered by Hon. Tu’ivakano, Minister of Training, Employment, Youth and Sports. Hon. Baron Vaea (President of TRFU) accepted the sponsorship cheque from Digicel Tonga GM, Tanya Menzies, on behalf of TRFU.

The emotional impact of Digicel’s sponsorship was truly felt by all when former player Polutele Tu’ihalamaka, a life member of ‘Ikale Tahi said “I salute Digicel as this is the first time Tonga Rugby has ever had a sponsor.”

Digicel Tonga GM, Tanya Menzies, said of the sponsorship: “This is a historic moment for Digicel and for the Tongan Rugby Football Union. For the first time in the history of Tongan rugby there is a major sponsor for this game which is loved by so many Tongans. Digicel is proud and very passionate about being associated with the ‘Ikale Tahi as they bring unity, passion and pride to the people of Tonga.”

“Digicel is also the proud sponsor of Fiji Rugby, Vanuatu Rugby and Cricket and Papua New Guinea Rugby. We strive to partner with the Rugby Unions in the countries in the Pacific where we operate working at every level to help and support the development of rugby from grassroots to national level” Ms. Menzies added.

The Tonga 7s team participated in the IRB 7’s World Cup Qualifier in Samoa where they wore their new Digicel branded jerseys. The event which took place on the 25^th and 26^th of July saw Digicel Tonga and Samoa played in the final and both have qualified for the IRB 7’s World Cup in Dubai next year.

The local rugby competition in Tonga which started in July has also been boosted with the introduction of the Digicel Cup where players will have to represent their island of origin. There are 4 main islands in Tonga and the Digicel Cup will give players higher honours in representing their island of birth and will also be a stepping stone to the international arena.
 

Digicel entered the Tongan market in May 2008. This sponsorship shows Digicel’s commitment  to supporting rugby, the most popular sport within the Kingdom, giving the ‘Ikale Tahi’ their first major sponsor since rugby started in Tonga for more than100 years.

ABOUT DIGICEL PACIFIC

Since its launch in the South Pacific in November 2006, Digicel has become the fastest-growing mobile operator in the Pacific, with current operations in Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. The company was recently granted licenses by the Governments of Fiji and has commitments from several other countries in the Pacific.

Digicel has contributed to the 0.7% growth to the GDP[1] of Papua New Guinea since its launch as the second mobile operator on July 20, 2007.

Digicel is the largest operator in the Caribbean operating in 23 markets and rolling out new operations in Central America. The company is renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, and superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services, and state-of-the-art handsets.

Digicel is proud sponsor of several national rugby teams across the South Pacific including; Fiji Rugby, Digicel Fiji 7’s, Digicel Tonga Ikale Tahi 7s and 15s, Digicel Vanuatu 7’s and 15’s and the Digicel PNG Pukpuks. Digicel is also the proud sponsor of the Vanuatu Cricket team. For more information, please visit http://www.digicelpacific.com/ or http://www.digiceltonga.com/