The ‘Ikale Tahi has announced its 39 man squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup. The tournament is set to kick off on May 25 with Tonga taking on Japan in Yokohama.
A new structure of the annual International Rugby Board (IRB) Pacific Nations Cup competition was announced by the IRB on 22 January. In 2013 Canada and the USA will participate, but the Manu Samoa, the 2012 champion will be excluded.
The ‘Ikale Tahi caused an upset in international test rugby yesterday when they thrashed the Scottish National team 21-15 at Pittodrie, Aberdeen (5 am Tongan time). By Pesi Fonua.
As the ‘Ikale Tahi prepares for its final test match against Scotland at Pittodrie in Aberdeen, on Saturday 24 November, the Head Coach Mana ‘Otai today selected the players.
The ‘Ikale Tahi won its first game during its current European tour, by beating the American Eagles, 22-13 at Parc Eirias, Wales, this morning, November 18.
The ‘Ikale Tahi is preparing for its second test match against the USA Eagles in Betws-u-coed, Wales on Saturday November 17, and the Head Coach Mana ‘Otai said that his players are ready to meet the USA.
A Tonga A Team has been selected by the ‘Ikale Tahi coach, Mana ‘Otai to play a friendly game with the Newcastle Falcons, at Kingston Park, Newcastle, on November 13, (7.30pm United Kingdom time).
When Tonga’s ‘Ikale Tahi meet Italy on Saturday night, in Brescia, Italy, the battle for domination will be in the forwards, according to the captain of the ‘Ikale Tahi, Nili Latu.
The ‘Ikale Tahi head coach, Mana ‘Otai has announced his team to play Italy at Stadio M. Riggamonti, in Brescia, on Saturday, November 10 during Tonga’s European Tour. Mana made his selection of 23 players, from 33 players who participated in a three-day training camp in Gruissan, France.