George Tupou V July 2008, a "Taumafa Kava" (Royal Kava Ring ceremony) was held on Malaʻe Pangai, the open space to the east of the Royal Palace. During the ceremony, Tupou V sat on a pile of handwoven "pandanus" mats in an open pavilion facing the sea, while more than 200 Tongan nobles and chiefs dressed in woven skirts and sea shells circled him. He wore the traditional Tongan "ta'ovala" (woven mat skirt) and a garland of flowers. During this ceremony, Tupou V was formally recognised as the "Tuʻi Kanokupolu", and the rightful descendent of King George Tupou I, who united Tonga in
Jimmy Tupou a regular in the 23 man squad. With his appearances generally restricted to that of a second-half substitute, he turned out 12, 11 and 12 times across the 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons. Looking for more game time, he agreed a move north to join the Auckland based ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season. Tupou was a member of the New Zealand Under 20 team that finished as runner-up in the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa. He scored 1 try in 4 appearances at the tournament. Counties Manukau Jimmy Tupou Jimmy Tupou (born 8 August 1992)