Tongan girls cop sin-bin

GIRLS have been banned from boxing and playing rugby on the Pacific island of Tonga.

The government edict came to light last week when a team of girls from Tonga High School were pulled from a touch rugby tournament.

The education department said the ban was to “preserve the dignity of Tongan women and hold on to Tongan cultural values”, it was reported.

But Olympic shot put champion Valerie Adams, who has Tongan heritage, said: “Tongan women must be free to choose their destiny and not be held back.”