Nili Latu, George Smith, to play with locals in curtain raiser

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

President's XV team taking on the Barbarians at Teufaiva Stadium. 23 August 2019.

By Eleanor Gee

Star rugby players, George Smith, Nili Latu, and Hosea Saumaki, will take the field with local players in tomorrow’s curtain raiser match between the Barbarians and the President’s XV before the ‘Ikale Tahi team take on the Western Force at Teufaiva Stadium.

The game will give local players a boost of confidence and inspiration playing alongside prominent Tongan players and legends in the game.

The Barbarians team consists of a combination of Tongan players from New Zealand, Australia, Under 20’s players and ‘Ikale Tahi players coached by Tonga’s National Seven’s Coach Tevita Tuifua.

The President’s XV team consists of a combination of Tonga’s premiership players from local clubs including two from ‘Eua with most having played under Tonga A.

Nili Latu said the game is seen as a great pathway to assist our local players as they haven’t had much support in the past.

“The truth is there is so much talent in Tonga. And if we can set up a pathway for their future, they may be able to play for the ‘Ikale Tahi. I believe at the same time we need people who can work to support the players in their skills and fitness. These are what we lack in Tonga.”

“But I believe there are lots of people who can help achieve this vision.”

Nili will be playing alongside George Smith as number 8 and number 7 in the Barbarians team.

“Whether it’s for one or five minutes, as long as we’re there to show the kids and support them,” he said.

Barbarians Assistant Coach Manu Vunipola said some of the local players in tomorrow’s game may catch the eye of rugby coaches internationally. He added this is also a dream for the local players to have the opportunity to play with rugby stars such as Nili.

President’s XV Coach Fili Sau said the local players are looking forward to playing with the likes of Nili Latu.

As a coach, Fili said having a local professional rugby team in Tonga would be a great opportunity to take part in tournaments such as the Global Rapid Rugby.

“At this level, the players need to play and perform consistently to take part in tournaments like [Global Rapid Rugby]. If they don’t have this opportunity, when this game is over, then the players take a break until the next game.”

“But if there are opportunities like this in place, we will keep training all year so the players can improve their skills together as a team," he said.

“I wish we would have an opportunity like that for the players.”

The Barbarians vs President’s XV kicks off at 1pm at Teufaiva Stadium ahead of the ‘Ikale Tahi vs Western Force games which kicks off at 3pm.

President XV team: