A competitive 'Ikale Tahi squad, featuring a mix of young and experienced players from 10 countries with 10 new caps, has been announced for the Spring Tour of the Northern Hemisphere in the coming weeks.

Tonga Rugby Union CEO Peter Harding said that the Head Coach Toutai Kefu and Manager, Lano Fonua, "have done a great job putting this squad together" for the games against Scotland, England, French Barbarians, and Romania.

However, Toutai will not travel with the team and will remain in Australia to continue recovering from a violent home invasion in August.

Forty players are in the squad, but not all will play in the four games.

"In addition, the Scotland game is outside the release window. This has taken some negotiation with clubs, undertaken by Toutai and Lano, and this has to date been successful."

“Clubs have been good to deal with and I want to thank the French Rugby Federation for their assistance,” he said.

Players to make their debut include former Wallaby, Lopeti Timani, and Afusipa Taumoepeau. They became eligible for selection after representing Tonga at the Olympics sevens qualifying tournament earlier this year.

Meanwhile, former All Blacks Malakai Fekitoa, who is also eligible for selection, is not included in the squad. Media overseas reported last month he suffered a serious shoulder injury while playing for Wasps in the English Premiership.

Peter said the list of players may have some small changes before next weekend depending on flights, MIQ [Managed Isolation and Quarantine] and contract negotiations.

The ‘Ikale Tahi spring tour schedule follows:

• October 30: Scotland
• November 6: England
• November 13: French Barbarians
• November 20: Romania

Earlier this week at a TRU event, Peter confirmed changes would be made to the 'Ikale Tahi jersey to promote Tonga.

"Over the last years the Tongan Government has put a lot of money to Tonga Rugby to pay the players and they haven't always got the thanks they needed. What we're doing now is making sure Tonga is promoted."

"Tonga Tourism is going to be on the back of every jersey all the way through to the World Cup and then we’re going to promote Tonga as much as we possibly can."

‘Ikale Tahi team for Northern Hemisphere Tour 2021