Photos by Linny Folau

By Eleanor Gee

Australia’s Western Force rugby team were out training today at Tupou College (Toloa) as part of their preparation leading up to Saturday’s game against the ‘Ikale Tahi in Tonga. 

The game will give the ‘Ikale Tahi more game time ahead of the Rugby World Cup next month, and assist the Force with their preparation for Australia’s National Rugby Championship next Saturday. On an international level, the Western Force are no longer part of Super Rugby but are involved in the Global Rapid Rugby [2] competition which is played across the Asia-Pacific region.

This is the side’s first time to play against Tonga’s national team and they are relishing the opportunity.

Team Manager, Rhydian Lewis, told Matangi Tonga they are grateful to be invited to the kingdom.

“The boys are really excited. It’s been a few weeks without a match now so the boys are jumping out of their skin.”

The Western Force have two Tongan players on the team, winger Halauafa Lavaka, and hooker Feleti Kaitu’u, who is currently injured and undergoing rehabilitation.

Halauafa, known as ‘H’ or ‘Big H’ to his fellow players, is looking forward to the game.

“For me personally, it’s not an easy challenge especially coming up against home I guess. But I feel it’s a good experience for us, the Western Force, to obviously take the field against Tonga’s best team so I’m looking forward to it.”

Halauafa has only been with the Western Force for just over a month now having switched rugby codes. He previously played rugby league for the Parramatta Eels and Manly Sea Eagles and also spent some time in Tonga when he served as a Latter-Day Saints missionary.

“I’ve just joined the Force. I grew up playing rugby league but obviously switched codes, and now I’ve got an opportunity here at the Western Force and I’m taking it with both hands.”

Even though Halauafa was born and raised in Australia, he is proud to be Tongan and would consider representing Tonga if given the chance.

“I’m not someone that would decline an opportunity like that, especially to represent your country. For me personally, I just want to do my best for Western Force.”

Halauafa’s mother is from Navutoka and Ovaka, and his father is from Tefisi and Leimatu’a. Feleti’s family is from Ha’apai and Kolomotu’a.

The game kicks off at 3pm at Teufaiva Stadium on Saturday, 24 August.