late Tonga PM

Mr Pohiva died in Auckland last Thursday and was brought back to Tonga yesterday afternoon.

'Akilisi Pohiva and a number of his cabinet and foreign dignitaries were welcomed at Fua'amotu airport by a large crowd of family, government officials and members of the public as well as Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho.

Mr Pohiva's cortege made its way to Nuku'alofa with school children and others lining the street for the more than 20-kilometre distance from the airport as a mark of respect.

The 78 year old was a former President of the Tonga Rugby Union and played an instrumental role in strengthening the union's governance and administrative structures.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said the global rugby community sends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the Pohiva family and the wider Tongan rugby community at this difficult time.