'Ikale Tahi coach Mana 'Otai has named his training squad ahead of the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup 2014 tournament. The tournament will take place over three match days on June 7, 14 and 21.
'Otai said Sona Taumalolo was not selected because he has been picked to play for the World XV. Tukulua Lutui is recovering from an injury and some Ikale Tahi former players are not in the list for family reasons. He said this is an opportunity for the Tongan uncapped players to play for the national team.
The squad:
1 Prop – Tevita Mailau (Mont De Marsan)
2 Prop – Ofa Fainga'anuku (Worcester)
3 Prop – Sila Puafisi (Gloucester)
4 Prop – Eddie 'Aholelei (Melbourne Rebels Squad)
5 Prop – Kama Sakalia (Tonga A/Marist 'Apifo'ou)
6 Hooker – Paula Ngauamo (Tonga A/Sydneham)
7 Hooker – Suliasi Taufalele (Chiefs Development)
8 Lock – Josh Afu (Kamaishi Waves)
9 Lock – Daniel Faleafa (Randwick)
10 Lock – Semisi Taulava (Worcester)
11 Loosies – Sitiveni Mafi (Leicester Tigers)
12 Loosies – Pasuka Mapakaitolo (Kobe Steelers)
13 Loosies – Viliami Fihaki (Sales Sharks)
14 Loosies – Nili Latu (NEC Rockets)
15 Loosies – Opeti Fonua (Bayonne)
16 Loosies – Viliami Ma'afu (Oyonnax)
17 Halfback – Samisoni Fisilau (Bay of Plenty)
18 Halfback – Sonatane Takulua (Northland)
19 First-five – Latiume Fosita (Northland)
20 First-five – Fangatapu 'Apikotoa (Marist 'Apifo'ou/Spain)
21 Midfielders – Viliami Hakalo (Tonga A/ Toa Saracen)
22 Midfielders – Fraser Anderson (Kobe Steelers)
23 Midfielders – Alaska Taufa (Akita Northern Bullets)
24 Midfielders – Siale Piutau (Yamaha)
25 Outside Backs – Otulea Katoa (Tonga A/Grammar Teachers)
26 Outside Backs – Fetu'u Vainikolo (Exeter Chiefs)
27 Outside Backs – Will Helu (London Wasps)
28 Outside Backs – David Halaifonua (Hofoa)
IRB Pacific Nations Cup 2014 Fixtures (all times are local)
Saturday, June 7
14:00 – Samoa v Tonga, Apia Park, Samoa
18:00 – Canada v Japan, Swangard Stadium, Burnaby, British Columbia
Saturday, June 14
15:00 – Fiji v Tonga, Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji
19:30 – USA v Japan, Stub Hub Center, Los Angeles, California
Saturday, June 21
15:00 – Fiji v Samoa, ANZ Stadium, Suva, Fiji
15:00 – USA v Canada, Cal Expo Facility, Sacramento, California
