The Firepower 'Ikale Tahi 40-man squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup was announced today by the Tonga Rugby Football Union.

The 'Ikale Tahi 30-man team for the 2007 Rugby World Cup will be confirmed within the next few days, and the remaining 10 players will remain in Tonga as reserve players in case of injuries.

The 'Ikale Tahi 40-man squad is made up of 12 local players and 38 overseas players. The announcement of the squad today followed a trial last Saturday, of 44 players. The TRFU did not want to name the selectors, but out of the 44 players only 19 were selected to the squad, and the other 21 players in the squad were known 'Ikale Tahi overseas players.

The name of the management team and officials who will accompany the 'Ikale Tahi to France has yet to be announced.

The squad will go into camp and start training training tomorrow, July 19.

The 30-man squad will leave for New Zealand on August 11 and will have their first warm up game on August 15. They will then depart for the United Kingdom on August 18 and have their second warm up game against Sale on August 24.

On September 2 the 'Ikale Tahi squad will go to Paris, France, for the commencement of the Rugby World Cup. The 'Ikale Tahi in Pool A will play against England, South Africa, the Manu Samoa, and the American Eagles. The 'Ikale Tahi World Cup schedule is: American Eagles September 12, Manu Samoa September 16, Springboks September 22, and England September 28.

The 'Ikale Tahi 40-man Squad

Props

1.Toma Toke, Tonga

2.Mosese Moala, France

3.Taufa'ao Filise, England

4.Tevita Taumoepeau, England

5.Soane Tonga'uiha, England

6.Sateki Mata'u, Tonga

Hookers

7.Ephraim Taukafa, England

8.'Aleki Lutui, England

9.Feki Moala, Tonga

Locks

10.Paino Hehea, France

11.'Inoke Afeaki, France

12.Lisiate Fa'aoso, New Zealand

13.Sione Kalamafoni, Tonga

14.'Emosi Kauhenga, Japan

Flankers

15.'Otenili Langilangi, ('Otenili Latu) New Zealand

16.Hale Pole, New Zealand

17.Finau Maka, France

18.Viliami Vaki, France

19.Chris Hala'ufia, England

No. 8s

20.Samiu Vahafolau, France

21.Lotu Filipine, Japan

Halfbacks

22.Soane Havea, Tonga

23.'Enele Taufa, Tonga

24.Sikuti Vunipola, Australia

Flyhalf

25.Pierre Hola, Japan

26.Fangatapu 'Apikotoa, Tonga

27.Tevita Tu'ifua, New Zealand

28.Movete 'Oto'ota, Tonga

Inside Centres

29.'Epeli Taione, Australia

30.Kaiongo Tupou, Tonga

Centres

31.Hudson Tonga'uiha, Tonga

32.Suka Hufanga, France

33.Siua Taumalolo, Engaland

Wingers

34.Sam Satui, Australia

35.Ualosi Kailea, Tonga

36.Seti Kiole, New Zealand

37.'Aisea Havili, England

38.Viliami Hakalo, France

Fullbacks

39.Vunga Lilo, Tonga

40.Sione Tu'ipulotu, Japan