Dan Manu, a former open-side flanker for the Australian Wallabies, is one of several international rugby players who have helped to promote Tonga through excellence in sport.

Dan was visiting Tonga to see family and friends last week and was presented by the Minister of Tourism with a certificate of recognition for his contribution in promoting Tonga overseas.

Dan was not going to predict whether or not the Wallabies would be able to retain the World Cup after the 2003 Rugby World Cup, because of the uncertainties of who would be playing.

Sione Moala, the marketing officer with the Tonga Visitors Bureau said that the contribution by Tongan International rugby players to promoting the Image of Tonga overseas was well beyond what his ministry could afford to spend, and the certificate of recognition was a small token of appreciation for Dan who had made Tonga known through his selection in the Wallabies team.

Other Tongan rugby stars who have been awarded with certificate of recognition were, Viliami 'Ofahengaue, Jonah Lomu, 'Isitolo Maka, and Wallaby, George Smith. Sione said there was one for the outstanding All Black, Doug Howlett but they did not get around to presenting it to him when he visited Tonga briefly last month.