The ‘Ikale Tahi will gather in Tonga this July to begin their preparations for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Three test matches have been confirmed. The ‘Ikale Tahi will play Fiji, Canada and the United States in the Pacific Nations Cup to kick-off in July.

The team selection for the World Cup has yet to be announced with many potential prospects vying for a spot on the team. It is expected to be competitive with a pool of over a hundred Tongan professional rugby players eligible for the red jersey. Prospects range from clubs across Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and Tonga.

The Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) on March 24 announced  a “new Tonga for the Rugby World Cup”.

The TRU stated “The European tour went a long way to proving this is a very different 'Ikale Tahi team getting set to take the field. 'Otai and Latu have combined well to put a real focus not only on game play and technical skill, but also on what it means to be part of the team. Discipline on and off the field is a key aspect of the new structure, with a view to seeing this event, and this team, as something more than just the Rugby World Cup.”

The TRU also announced its support for community and charity services “The Tongan Rugby Union has recently put its support behind a number of family based initiatives, speaking out against violence towards woman, a cancer charity for children (WOWS), and against school yard violence. 'Ikale Tahi has been vocal with regards to giving back to the Tongan community, and to creating a legacy that stands long after the cheers from Rugby World Cup have faded.”

Tonga’s first game of the 2015 Rugby World Cup will be against Georgia on September 19 in Kingsholm, England.