The ‘Ikale Tahi selectors have named 30 players for the Rugby World Cup 2015.
The squad, which will be captained by 33-year-old ‘Ikale Tahi captain Nili Latu at his third Rugby World Cup, is made up of 17 forwards and 13 backs, and with Tonga’s 91 years of rugby regional and international test matches since 1924, is the most experienced Ikale Tahi squad ever assembled.
Tonga will face Georgia, Namibia, Argentina and New Zealand in Pool C during the Rugby World Cup which will be held in England from September 18 to October 31.
Forwards:
Tevita Mailau (Perpignan), Alisona Taumalolo (Grenoble), Soane Tonga’uiha (Oyonnax), Halani Aulika (London Irish), Sila Puafisi (Gloucester), Elvis Taione (Exeter Chiefs), Paula Ngauamo (Mont de Marson), Aleki Lutui (Ampthill RFC), Tukulua Lokotui (Beziers), Joeseph Tiuneau (Dax), Steve Mafi (Western Force), Opeti Fonua (Leicester Tigers), Hala T-Pole (Otago), Nili Latu (Newcastle Falcons), Jack Ram (Auckland Blues), Viliami Ma’afu (Oyonnax), Sione Kalamafoni (Gloucester)
Backs:
Sonatane Takulua (Newcastle Falcons), Samisoni Fisilau (Jersey RFC), Sosefo Ma’ake (Havelu Bulldogs), Kurt Morath (Biarritz), Latiume Fosita (Doncaster), Sione Piukala (Perpignan), Siale Piutau (Yamaha), Viliami Tahitu’a (Northland), Fetu’u Vainikolo (Oyonnax), Telusa Veainu (Melbourne Rebels), Tevita Halaifonua (Gloucester), William Helu (Edinburgh), Vungakoto Lilo (Montauban)
