THS U-18 go to World Rugby Youth Tournament, Japan [1]
Monday, April 27, 2009 - 11:23. Updated on Friday, September 12, 2014 - 11:53.
Tonga High School's Under-18 Rugby Team will be representing Tonga at the Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament 2009 in Japan from April 29 to May 7.
Tonga High School is competing for the first time in this prestigious international tournament for secondary high schools, after winning Tonga's Under 18 Secondary Schools Rugby Tournament last year.
Head Coach Sosaia Lauti said that the 26 players team were looking forward to the tournament. "They are well prepared, and we just can't wait to arrive in Japan," he said.
There are four Pools in the tournament to be held in Fukuoka prefecture and Tonga is in Pool B with Tenri High School and Higashi Fukuoka High School of Japan and Glenwood High School of South Africa.
Sosaia said the tournament is organised by the Japan Rugby Football Union, the tournament is by invitation only, and the overseas schools, which are selected are considered the top from each country
A total of 20 teams are competing in this year's tournament including 11 Japanese High Schools and nine overseas teams: two from New Zealand and one each from Korea, Canada, England, France, Australia, South Africa and Tonga.
Tonga College represented Tonga to the same international tournament in 2003 when they reached the finals.
Tonga's team was scheduled to depart on Saturday, April 25 and return on May 7.
THS Under 18 team:
1. Ilaisa Moala, hooker
2. Tata Lisala, half back
3. Sione Ketuu, tight head prop
4. Fetuu Vea, lock
5. Naati Akauola, winger
6. Semita Fakakovikaetau, half back
7. Alexander Fungavaka, full back
8. Niko Taufa, hooker
9. Siosafate Finau, open side flanker
10. Mosese Latu, flyhalf
11. Pohiva Pongi, winger
12. Sivani Ofa, winger
13. Moses Ataata, Vice Captain and open side flanker
14. Ofa Folau, loose head prop
15. Alifeleti Atiola, locker
16. Sosaia Teisi, locker
17. Giuseppe Tulua, loose head prop
18. Petueli Fakakovikaetau, inside centre
19. Paula Toumoua, tight head prop
20. Feao Hui, Fly half
21. Sitaleki Tongaonevai, locker
22. Penisimani Fangufangu, Captain
23. Taniela Ofa, winger
24. Maliu Maasi, hooker
25. Brian Totau, number 8
26. Ofisi Finau, tight head prop.
Officials:
27. Manu Akauola, Manager
28. Sosaia Lauti, Head Coach
29. Latu Folau, Assistant Coach
30 Tonata Taufalele, trainer