By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

Spain is set to take on Tonga at the Ikale Tahi's home ground at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa, tomorrow 19 July 2024. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30pm local time.

Both teams are closely ranked teams in the World Rugby standings. Tonga, currently sitting at 16^th place and Spain, who are just three spots behind at 19^th.

The Spanish squad, known as Los Leones (The Lions), will be led by captain, Mario Pichardie.

The Lions were warmly welcomed last night by HSH Prince Tu’ipelehake and the Consulate Office of Spain in Tonga with a welcoming dinner, at Liku’alofa in Tofoa, Nuku'alofa.

The Lions surprised their hosts with their large appetite, with most of the players going back for seconds and thirds.

One of the players told the caterers, “the food is perfect, perfect way to end my night”.

The food served included traditional food such as Lū, ‘Ota Ika, and Kape with pasta, and salads.

A guest said, “well they are rugby boys, they need all the food they can get for energy”.

The team enjoyed the rest of the night with entertainment from the Miss Ha’apai Masani, Fipe Finau.

Some of the players also lined up to sing karaoke.

Los Leones (The Lions) team:

1. Thierry Futeu
2. Santiago Ovejro
3. Hugo Pirlet
4. Asier Usarraga
5. Imanol Urraza
6. Mario Pichardie (C)
7. Marc Sanchez
8. Raphael Nieto
9. Tani Bay
10. Gonzalo Vinuesa
11. Gauthier Mingullon
12. Alvar Gimeno
13. Alejandro Alonso
14. Manuel Alfaro
15. John-Wessel Bell
16.  Alvaro Garcia
17. Raul Galzon
18. Lucas Santamaria
19. Ignacio Pineiro
20. Alex Saleta
21. Pablo Perex
22. Bautista Guemes
23. Inaki Mateu