Eighteen local Tongan rugby players and 12 from abroad grabbed the ‘Ikale Tahi Jersey when Tonga's national Rugby team was announced by new coach, Viliami ‘Ofahengaue, on May 5.

Team manager, Sione Petelo, said that 13 of the local players are wearing the jersey for the first time, including two players that represented Tonga recently in the Under 21 national rugby team.

The overseas players will start arriving on May 8 to join the team camping in Nuku'alofa at the Fakatouato Hall at Ngele'ia, in preparation for the Pacific Tri-nations Tournament, which begins on May 29.

‘Ikale Tahi will face the Manu Samoa in Samoa on May 29. They return on May 31 to prepare for a clash with the Fiji Bati on June 5 at Tonga's Teufaiva Stadium.

Selectors of the team were Viliami ‘Ofahengaue (coach) Siaosi ‘Atiola (Assistant Coach) and Tevita Va‘enuku. Other officials include Kalauta Kupu (trainer), Sam Taupeaafe and Nafe Tufui (Backup coach) and Medical doctor is Dr. Pifeleti.

This is the team, their respective clubs and the previous team that they were selected from:

Props

1. Taufo'ou Filise, Bay of Plenty- NZ; 2. Mosese Moala, Tofoa, Tonga A; 3. Kafalosi Tonga, Toa Hola, Tonga A; 4. Tevita Taumoepeau, UK. 5; Matiu Faka'osilea, Fuekafa.

Hooker

6. Hainite 'Aholelei, Toa ko Ma'afu, Tonga A; 7. ‘Aleki Lutui, Bay of Plenty-NZ.

Locks

8. Seti Filo, Lavengamalie, Patron. 9. Feao Latu, Fuekafa, Tonga A. 10. Lisiate Fa'aoso, Marist, U21. 11. Benhur Kivalu, Japan

Loosehead props

12. Chris Halaufia, UK; 13. Sione Niu, Toa Ko Ma'afu, Tonga A; 14. ‘Ofa Misa, Toa ko Ma'afu, Tonga A; 15. Vahanoa Faleovalu, Vaini, Tonga A; 16. Loni Manako, Japan; 17. ‘Aleki Taka, Kolomotu'a, Tonga A.

Halfbacks

18. Soane Havea, Marist, Tonga A; 19. David Palu, NZ.

1st 5/8 20. Vikilani Afeaki, Fasi-Ma'ufanga, Tonga A; 21. Fangatapu ‘Apikotoa, Marist, U21.

Centres

22. Sefa Vaka, Kolofo'ou, Patron; 23. Keni Fisilau, UK. 24. Suka Hufanga, UK. 25. Lisiate Tafa, Ha'apai, Patron.

Wings

26. Taniela Tulia, Toa ko Ma'afu, Tonga A; 27. 'Aisea Havili, UK; 28. Solomone Matangi, Fasi Ma...’ufanga.

Fullbacks

29. Sila Va‘enuku, Toa ko Ma'afu, Tonga A; 30. Siua Taumalolo, UK.