Former Rugby Star Sentenced for Violent Rape | Christchurch News

Christchurch News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 28, 2026 · 1m

A former rugby league star and Cook Islands national, Tangiia Tongia, has been jailed for eight years and three months after being convicted of a brutal rape that shattered his victim’s life. The assault occurred at her home following an argument, escalating into a violent attack despite her resistance. Though he later admitted to the crime in an interview, Tongia denied everything during trial — a “pig-headed denial” the judge called unforgivable. The victim’s harrowing impact statement left the court stunned, while letters praising his sporting legacy were weighed against his prior…