Former All Black cleared to represent Tonga [1]
Tuesday, July 12, 2022 - 19:01
Tongan born Vaea Fifita (30), a former All Black, is now eligible to play for Tonga.
Tonga Rugby Union posted its welcome to Fifita on its social media on 11 July. He was cleared in a change of international eligibility rules that has allowed him to play for his home island.
Fifita has played one season with the Wasps in the United Kingdom before moving to the Scarlets.
In his rugby career, he has won a Super Rugby title with Hurricanes. He also played for the Wellington Lions, won the most recent of his 11 New Zealand caps against South Africa in July 2019.
He now joins other former All Black stars Malakai Fekitoa, Salesi Piutau and former Wallaby Israel Folau in their switch for Tonga.
Fekitoa, Piutau and Folau were in the 'Ikale Tahi squad for the opening game against Fiji, during the current Pacific Nations Cup 2022.