Authorities in the rugby-obsessed nation of Tonga caused outrage after banning female students at state schools from playing rugby or boxing, claiming that female participation is incompatible with Tongan culture and tradition.

Critics attacked the “worse than pathetic” ban, imposed by Tonga’s Ministry of Education in a letter sent by a ministry education official to Tonga High School that was later posted on Facebook.

Officials confirmed the ban applied to all state schools in the Pacific nation, which has about 110,000 residents, but not before the move prompted anger across the island nation, with critics pointing to Tonga’s long history of successful female athletes.

Hoko Tuivai, the head coach of Tonga’s women’s rugby sevens team, criticised the ban, saying rugby helped young women to become independent. She said the ban would have “dire consequences” for Tongan society.

“It is most unfortunate,” she told The Telegraph. “We have so many interested and talented female athletes and players who have dreamed of having an opportunity to play rugby… In this time of teen pregnancies and social problems, rugby has served to provide young ladies with focus and determination.”

'Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki, a women’s rights advocate, said the ban was archaic, noting that Tongan history and culture were marked by strong, brave women. She noted that Teuila Fotu-Moala, a New Zealand rugby league player who was born to Tongan parents and describes herself as Tongan, became a national hero after being named the player of the women's rugby league World Cup last year.