'Ikale Tahi Head Coach Toutai Kefu has named a 32-player squad, for Tonga's 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign in France.
Two further players will be added before the tournament in September, the Tonga Rugby Union announced tonight.
Tonga, who will be based in Croissy-sur-Seine, will open their Rugby World Cup campaign against Ireland in Nantes on Saturday 16 September. They will also face Scotland, current world champions South Africa and Romania in Pool B.
Two players have suffered recurring injuries and are unavailable – Isileli Folau (knee) and Telusa Veainu (hamstring).
Kefu said, “It's a squad I'm very proud to coach and I know all the layers are looking forward to representing their families and all Tongans around the globe with pride.
“Unfortunately, a couple of our brothers, Isileli Folau and Telusa Veainu won't be joingin us due to existing injuries. George Moala, with the reduction of his suspension to five weeks, will be able to join the squad mid-campaign.”
‘Ikale Tahi RWC Squad
Forwards
- Sosefo 'Apikotoa (Moana Pasifika)
- Adam Coleman (Bordeaux Bègles) (Debut)
- Sione Havili Talitui (Moana Pasifika)
- Vaea Fifita (Scarlets)
- Siegfried Fisi’ihoi (Pau)
- Fe’ao Fotu’aika (Lyon)
- Solomone Funaki (Moana Pasifika)
- Tanginoa Halaifonua (Stade Francais Paris)
- Tau Koloamatangi (Moana Pasifika)
- Paula Latu (Southland Stags)
- Samiuela Lousi (Scarlets)
- Sitiveni Mafi (Oyonnax)
- Siua Maile (Benetton)
- Samuiela Moli (Moana Pasifika)
- Semisi Paea (Bay of Plenty Steamers)
- Paula Ngauamo (Castres)
- Ben Tameifuna (Bordeaux Bègles)
- Sione Vailanu (Glasgow Warriors)
Backs
- Pita Ahki (Toulouse)
- Malakai Fekitoa (Benetton)
- William Havili (Moana Pasifika)
- Fine Inisi (Moana Pasifika)
- Solomone Kata (Leicester Tigers)
- Otumaka Mausia (Parramatta)
- Manu Paea (Moana Pasifika)
- Salesi Piutau (Bristol Bears)
- Augustine Pulu (Hino Red Dragons)
- Sonatane Takulua (Agen)
- Kyren Taumoefolau (Moana Pasifika)
- Afusipa Taumoepeau (Perpignan)
- Anzelo Tuitavuki (Hawke's Bay)
Two players to be added:
George Moala
TBC
RWC fixtures
Saturday 16 September, Ireland v Tonga, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes (21:00)
Sunday 24 September, Scotland v Tonga, Stade de Nice, Nice (17:45)
Sunday 1 October, South Africa v Tonga, Stade de Marseille, Marseille (21:00)
Sunday 8 October, Tonga v Romania, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille (17:45)
