A strong ‘Ikale Tahi line-up for the 2022 Pacific Nations Cup in July was announced today by the Tonga Rugby Union.

The 32-man squad sees rugby stars Salesi Piutau, Israel Folau, Malakai Fekitoa and Augustine Pulu making the switch to play for their homeland and wear the red jersey.

A number of the players will be making their debut in the line up, as well as showcasing young talents in the likes of William Havili and Manu Paea.

The tournament which features Fiji, Samoa, Tonga alongside Australia A will be played over three match days on 2, 9 and 16 July in Suva and Lautoka in Fiji.

‘Ikale Tahi Squad

1. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Section Paloise, loosehead prop
2. Tau Koloamatangi, Moana Pasifika, loosehead prop
3. David Lolohea, Provence Rugby, loosehead prop
4. Samiuela Moli, Moaka Pasifika, hooker
5. Siua Maile, Hurricanes, hooker
6. Jay Fonokalafi, Grammar Tec NZ, hooker
7. Siate Tokolahi, Section Paloise, tighthead prop
8. Ben Tameifuna, 
Bordeaux
, tighthead prop 
9. Sosefo 'Apikotoa, Moana Pasifika, tighthead prop
10. Samiuela Lousi, Scarlets, lock
11. Halaleva Fifita, Connacht, lock
12. Veikoso Poloniati, Moana Pasifika, lock
13. Tanginoa Halafonua, Grenoble, backrow
14. Viliami Taulani, Harlequins, backrow
15. Lotu Inisi, Moana Pasifika, backrow
16. Solomone Funaki, Moana Pasifika, backrow
17. Sione Havili, Crusaders, backrow
18. Sione Tu’ipulotu, Moana Pasifika, backrow
19. Sonatane Takulua, Agen, halfback
20. Augustine Pulu, Hino Red Dolpins, halfback
21. Manu Paea, Moana Pasifika, halfback
22. William Havili, Moana Pasifika, flyhalf
23. James Faiva, Petrarca Rugby, flyhalf
24. Malakai Fekitoa, Wasps, centre
25. Afusipa Taumoepeau, Perpignan, centre
26. Fetuli Paea, Highlianders, centre
27. Fine Inisi, Moana Pasifika, centre
28. Solomone Kata, Moana Pasifika, outside back
29. Salesi Piutau, Bristol Bears, outside back
30. Tima Fainga’anuku, Moana Pasifika, outside back
31. Israel Folau, NTT Shining Arcs, outside back
32. Anzelo Tu'itavuki, Moana Pasifika, outside back

TRU said four players including Salesi Piuta, Israel Folau, Augustine Pul and Lotima Fainga'anuku are currently before the World Rugby regulations committee awaiting confirmation of their transfer of union.

The meeting takes place on 1 June.