By Tupou Vaiplulu Jr.

Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) announced the new 'Ikale Tahi squad today, 21 June 2024, which will play in the Tests Series and Pacific Nations Cup later this year.

This year's squad consists of 35 players. Head coach, Tevita Tuifua said that only five of the team, are local boys.

A TRU staffer told Matangi Tonga, the reason local players don't always qualify for national teams, is that they lack skills in different aspects of the game that are crucial in the professional arena of Rugby.

This includes the maintenance of their physical and mental fitness all-year-round.

"In other countries like Fiji, they have an Academy which looks after their players and helps them maintain their performance all-year-round," they said.

However, assistant coach Nili Latu confirmed today, that there is a desire to work toward building a "high performance academy" for the local rugby players.

The high-performance academy will help to identify and develop potential talent, better support high performance athletes and coaches, and retain more rugby talent in Tonga.

The new manager for the 'Ikale Tahi is Tilitili Puloka.

Team List/Squad

Props

Tau Koloamatangi
Isikeli Fukofuka
Benjamin Va' inga Tameifuna
Jethro Felemi
Brad Leuila

Hookers

Sosefo Sakalia
Sekope Moli
Solomone Aniseko

Locks

Adam Coleman
Kelemete Finau Fetuli
Harison Mataele
Kaufononga Tausinga

Backrowers

Fotu Lokotui
Lotu Inisi
Siosiua Kaifa
Sione Takai
Sione Tai Hifo
Viliami Taulani
Hapakuki Liava'a

Halfbacks

 Siaosi Nai
Aisea Halo
Manu Paea

Fly-halves

James Faiva
Semisi Fakapulia Ma'asi
Tyler Pulini

Centres

Malakai Fekitoa
Fetuli Paea
Fine Jr Inisi
Viliami Fine
Nikolai Foliaki

Outside Backs

Telusa Veainu
Taniela Filimone
John Tu'i'ile'ila Tapueluelu
Samuel Tuitupou
Esau Filimoehala

Management Team

Head Coach, Tevita Tu’ifua
Assistant Coach, Nili Latu
Technical Advisor, Quddus Fielea
Scrum Coach, Pauliasi Manu
Lineout Coach, Joe Tu’ineau
Defence Coach, Viliami Ma’afu
Kicking and Skills Coach, Kurt Morath
Breakdown and Collision, Isi Fatani
Head of Athletic Performance, Semisi Fonua
Performance Analyst, Joh Fifita
Physiotherapist, Sosaia Vakasiuola
Doctor, Pafilio Tangitau
Personal Development Manager, Taufu’i Naufahu
Partnership Manager, Richard Weightman
Manager, Tilitili Puloka
Assistant Manager, Semisi Pomale