Strong ‘Ikale Tahi squad for 2022 Pacific Nations Cup [1]
Saturday, May 28, 2022 - 00:38
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
- Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Section Paloise, loosehead prop
- Tau Koloamatangi, Moana Pasifika, loosehead prop
- David Lolohea, Provence Rugby, loosehead prop
- Samiuela Moli, Moaka Pasifika, hooker
- Siua Maile, Hurricanes, hooker
- Jay Fonokalafi, Grammar Tec NZ, hooker
- Siate Tokolahi, Section Paloise, tighthead prop
- Ben Tameifuna, Bordeaux , tighthead prop
- Sosefo 'Apikotoa, Moana Pasifika, tighthead prop
- Samiuela Lousi, Scarlets, lock
- Halaleva Fifita, Connacht, lock
- Veikoso Poloniati, Moana Pasifika, lock
- Tanginoa Halafonua, Grenoble, backrow
- Viliami Taulani, Harlequins, backrow
- Lotu Inisi, Moana Pasifika, backrow
- Solomone Funaki, Moana Pasifika, backrow
- Sione Havili, Crusaders, backrow
- Sione Tu’ipulotu, Moana Pasifika, backrow
- Sonatane Takulua, Agen, halfback
- Augustine Pulu, Hino Red Dolpins, halfback
- Manu Paea, Moana Pasifika, halfback
- William Havili, Moana Pasifika, flyhalf
- James Faiva, Petrarca Rugby, flyhalf
- Malakai Fekitoa, Wasps, centre
- Afusipa Taumoepeau, Perpignan, centre
- Fetuli Paea, Highlianders, centre
- Fine Inisi, Moana Pasifika, centre
- Solomone Kata, Moana Pasifika, outside back
- Salesi Piutau, Bristol Bears, outside back
- Tima Fainga’anuku, Moana Pasifika, outside back
- Israel Folau, NTT Shining Arcs, outside back
- 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.