Former All Blacks star, Malakai Fekitoa is super excited to play for Tonga at the World Rugby Sevens Repecharge tournament held on 19 and 20 June in Monaco.
Tonga Sevens manager Richard Weightman told Radio New Zealand earlier this week that it’s “great to have him recommit and want to play for Tonga. He’s super excited”.
Malakai, who was born in Ha’apai, first represented Tonga Sevens in 2008 after being discovered at a Sevens tournament in Nuku’alofa.
He went on to play 64 games for the Highanders, and 29 tests for the All Blacks.
Currently, Malakai is playing in the English premiership with Wasps.
Richard said he’s always remembered where he’s come from.
“The most humble guy you could ever meet, always gave back, and would come and help us out at trainings – just an outstanding individual.”
Former Wallaby, Lopeti Timani is also joining the team along with former Australian Sevens player Afusipa Taumoepeau, and former New Zealand Sevens player Tima Fainga’anuku.
The Tonga Sevens Squad were training in Pyrénées Catalanes, France, this week and left for Monaco today.
The full Tonga Sevens Squad selected last Friday, 11 June is listed below.
|
Name |
Village |
|
LOKOTUI, Fotu Suluka |
Longoteme, Tt & Ha’apai |
|
RAM, Jack De Hei |
Afa & Ha’ateiho, Tt |
|
TAUFA, Alaska Nikolasi |
Ha’ateiho, Tt |
|
LOLESIO, Roy Timote Masima |
Ma’ufanga, Tt |
|
HALAIFONUA, David Frank Harvey |
Tukulalo, Vv |
|
FEKITOA, Saia Halatanu |
Faleloa, Hp |
|
TAUMOEPEAU, Afusipa Fahaivalu |
Kolofo’ou, Tt |
|
FEKITOA, Malakai Fonokalafi |
Faleloa, Hp |
|
KILIONI, Daniel |
Havelu, Tt |
|
MANU, Atunaisa Taulango Vaka |
Utulau & Fo’ui, Tt |
|
FAINGA’ANUKU, Lotima Taufo’ou |
Ma’ufanga, Tt |
|
VAEA, VAERA Tutuila |
Lofanga, Hp & Kolovai Tt |
|
TIMANI, Lopeti |
Niua, Tt & Navutoka, Tt |
|
FONO, Ofa Loto Ki Matamoana |
Holopeka, Hp & Vava’u |
|
KOLO, Violeti |
Ma’ufanga, Tt |
|
FIHAKI, Sunita Palu |
Ha’akame & Nukunuku, Tt |
Head Coach - Adriaan Ferris
Team Manager - Viliami Vaki
