SAINTS have sent a message of support to Tonga after an undersea volcano erupted near the Pacific island nation. 

An undersea volcano has erupted near to the country, sending large waves crashing across the shore and people rushing to higher ground.

A tsunami warning is in effect for the whole of Tonga.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or the extent of the damage as communications with the small nation remained problematic.

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Video posted to social media have shown large waves washing ashore in coastal areas, swirling around homes and buildings.

Saints, who have strong links with the Pacific nation, shared a message of support on social media.

The club posted: "All our thoughts and prayers are with our friends in Tonga - stay safe!"

Saints' Tongan-born close season signing Konrad Hurrell posted a story on Instagram.

It bore the message: "Stay safe Tonga, ofa lahi atu (I love you)".

St Helens Star:

Saints have numerous links with the country.

Head coach Kristian Woolf has been the national rugby league team's head coach since 2014, guiding them to a World Cup semi-final in 2017 and victories over Great Britain and New Zealand a couple of years later.

The rearranged 2021 Rugby League World Cup to be held later this year will see St Helens host the Tonga side who will have their training base at Ruskin Drive.

Saints also signed Tongan internation Will Hopoate for the 2022 campaign.

New Zealand’s military said it was monitoring the situation in Tonga and remained on standby to assist if asked.

Satellite images showed a huge eruption. Tonga Meteorological Services said a tsunami warning was in effect for the island nation.