The Ikale Tahi squad has been named for Rugby World Cup 2019, with players joining Tonga’s campaign from all over the world for the tournament in Japan kicking off in September.
Players from clubs in England, France, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, USA and one Tongan based player will come together to represent Ikale Tahi.
Tonga will face England, Argentina, France and the USA in the battle of Pool C.
Ikale Tahi Head Coach, Toutai Kefu said: “I’d like to congratulate all players who have been selected in our country’s squad for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
“We’ve brought together some really exciting players who are all very passionate about representing Tonga and the red jersey on the biggest stage in our sport.
“Our squad is comprised of players who play in some of the top competitions around the world including the English Premiership, the Top 14 and Super Rugby; for us it is now about getting that time together and building towards that first game against England.
“We’ve got a big week of preparation ahead of us in Hamilton before we take on the All Blacks and we’re looking forward to continuing the hard work we’ve started.
“We take the responsibility of representing the people of Tonga either at home, or wherever they are in the world with a great sense of pride and humility and we look forward to doing them proud in our campaign.”
Tonga face the All Blacks at FMG Stadium, Waikato on Saturday 7 September before departing for Japan.
Tonga 2019 Rugby World Cup
Siegfried ‘Fisiihoi, Pau, Falaleu & ‘Utui (Vv) Vunipola Fifita, Brumbies, Kala’au And Malapo (Tt) Latu ‘Talakai, Eastwood, Leimatu’a (Vv) Paula ‘Ngauamo, Agen, Vaini, Kolomotu’a, Fasi & Kolofo’ou (Tt) Sosefo ‘Sakalia, Asia Pacific Dragons, Ma’ufanga (Tt) & Nomuka (Hp) Siua Maile, Shirley, Mata’aho (Eua) Siua ‘Halanukonuka, Glasgow, Hoi (Tt) Ma’afu Fia, Ospreys, Ha’avakatolo, Holonga (Tt) & Olo’ua (Vv) Ben Tameifuna, Racing Metro, Pea (Tt) Sam Lousi, Hurricanes, Kanokupolu (Tt) & Leimatu’a (Vv) Leva Fifita, Grenoble, Neiafu (Vv) Sitiveni Mafi, Castres, ‘Ahau, Kolovai (Tt), Sailoame, Talau (Vv) Sione Kalamafoni, Leicester, Matahau, Te’ekiu (Tt) & Otea (Vv) Maama ‘Vaipulu, Castres, Folaha (Tt) Fotu ‘Lokotui, Counties Manukau, Longoteme (Tt) Zane ‘Kapeli, Bay Of Plenty, Utungake (Vv) Dan Faleafa, Austin Elite, Kolomotu’a & Kolovai (Tt) Nasi Manu, Treviso, Vaini & Ha’ateiho (Tt) Sonatane Takulua, Newcastle Falcons, Lapaha, Ma’ufanga (Tt) & Niuatoputapu Leon ‘Fukofuka, Auckland, Ha’avakatolo, Fo’ui & Ha’alalo (Tt) Samisoni Fisilau, Auckland Marist, Longolongo (Tt) And Leimatu’a (Vv) Kurt Morath, Doncaster, Leimatu’a (Vv) James ‘Faiva, Silverstorm El Salvador, Ngele’ia & Kotu (Hp) Siale Piutau, Bristol Bears, Kolofo’ou & Folaha (Tt) Malietoa Hingano, Bayonne, Makaunga, Talafo’ou, Nukuleka, Holonga (Vv) And Utuali’i (Upolu) Nafi Tuitavake, Northhampton, Kolofo’ou & Fasi (Tt) Atieli Pakalani, Eastwood, Ha’ateiho (Tt) & Feletoa (Vv) David Halaifonua, Coventry, Fatumu & Tukulalo, Houma (Vv) Viliami Lolohea, Papatoetoe, Navutoka (Tt) & Niuatoputapu Cooper Vuna, Newcastle Falcons, Houma (Tt) Telusa Veainu, Leicester, Matahau (Tt) & Longolongo (Tt)
2019 Tonga Rugby World Cup Fixtures
Tonga v England, Sunday 22 September, Sapporo Dome, Sapporo Tonga v Argentina, Saturday 28 September, Hanazono Stadium, Osaka Prefecture, Higashiosaka City Tonga v France, Sunday 6 October, Kumamoto Stadium, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto City Tonga v USA, Sunday 13 October, Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka Prefecture, Higashiosaka City
