Digicel Tonga 7's prepare for Dubai [1]
Monday, February 23, 2009 - 12:18. Updated on Friday, June 13, 2014 - 19:02.
Preparing for the Rugby 7's World Cup in Dubai the Digicel Tonga 7's have been training at their base in Nuku'alofa under the watchful eye of their coach Peter Tanginoa, who is very confident of their progress.
Travelling to represent Tonga in Dubai on February 28, the team of 12 will be named this week at a press conference on Wednesday February 25.
In addition, the team have been invited to compete in the first Pasifika Auckland City Sevens tournament on March 14 in New Zealand, on the back of the performances in Wellington. This will help promote sevens with the Pacific community in Auckland.
Currently the squad is made up of:
Viliami Ma'afu
Siaosi Tuatao
Josateki Veikune,
Vaea Poteki,
Peasipa MoiMoi,
Alaska Taufa,
Ualosi Kailea,
Sione Fonua,
Teu I Muli Kaufusi,
Tevita Tu'ipolotu,
Sosaia Palei,
Ofa Takai,
Viliami Iongi,
Malakai Fekitoa and
Mateo Malupo.
Digicel Tonga CEO, Christian Fruean, said "We are happy to hear the training is going according to plan with no major injuries to report. Digicel is proud to be sponsoring the 7's team and is looking forward to the weeks ahead."
In addition to the company's partnership with the Tonga Rugby Football Union, Digicel is also involved in working with disabled athletes, and in August 2008 introduced the DigiGames and they are working with the Alonga Center to provide essential supplies.
Since its launch in the South Pacific in November 2006, Digicel has operations in Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, where the telecommunications company is the sponsor of several national rugby teams including: Fiji Rugby, Digicel Fiji 7's, Digicel Tonga Ikale Tahi 7's and 15's, Manu Samoa, Digicel Vanuatu 7's and 15's and the Digicel PNG Pukpuks. The company also sponsors the Vanuatu Cricket team