Members of the 'Ikale Tahi, Tonga's national rugby team for the Churchill Cup Tournament in the UK will assemble in London tomorrow, June 3 to prepare for the tournament starting on June 8.

In its first Churchill Cup Tournament the 'Ikale Tahi will meet the American Eagles on June 8.

The 28 member of the 'Ikale Tahi squad for the tournament is made of seven local players from Tonga, six from New Zealand, five from Australia, four from France, one from Wales and one from the UK.

Local players left with the 'Ikale Tahi management team for the UK last night June 1.

The 'Ikale Tahi Management team consists of Sione Tupoumalohi Latu, Manager; 'Isitolo Maka, Head Coach; Siua Taumalolo, Backs Coach; John McKee, Technical Advisor; Dr. Faka'osi Pifeleti, Team Doctor; and Brian Downey, Team Physiotherapist.

The 'Ikale Tahi team for the Churchill Cup Tournament:

Local players:
Maleko Kioa Mema Latu
Joshua Lavamofa'oa Afu
Tevita Haniteli Ula
Soane Patita Pat Boon Sioape Havea
Etueni Siua
Sosefo Tomasi Moso Sili
Mateo Vakatalau Malupo

Other players from:
New Zealand -
William Fetu'ufuka Ukumaki Helu
Sione 'Otufangavalu Fonua
Daniel Wayne Morath
Osaiasi Pepa Veikune Koloamatangi
Aloisio 'Ilaisa Ma'asi
Kurt Stanley Morath (Vice Captain)

Japan -
Sakura Emosi Kauhenga
Viliami Suaesi Ma'afu
Viliami Pasuka Mapakaitolo
Silivenusi Kauhea Taumoepeau

Australia -
Atonio Halangahu
Viliame 'Iongi
Paula Nunufa'aikea 'Ataongo Kaho
'Ofa he Lotu Fainga'anuku
Edmond Paea

France -
Tonga Lea'aetoa
Kisi Pulu (Captain)
Semisi Telefoni
Sukanaivalu Hufanga

Wales -
Sione Timani

England -
Paino Hehea

Churchill Cup Tournament schedule

Wednesday 8 June 2011
Tonga vs USA
Kickoff time: 1730 hrs
Venue: Esher Rugby Club, 369 Moseley Rd, Hersham, Surrey, KT12 3PF
 

Sunday 12 June 2011
England Saxons vs Tonga
Kickoff time: 1430 hrs
Venue: Kingsholm Stadium, Kingsholm Rd., Kingsholm, Gloucester, GL1 3AX
 

Saturday 18 June 2011
Bowl, Plate and Cup Finals
Kickoff time: 1200 hrs
Venue: Sixways Stadium, Warriors Way, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR3 8ZE
 

Following the Churchill Cup Tournament, the Pacific Nations Cup tournament will start in July.

A preliminary 'Ikale Tahi World Cup team will be announced on June 17, but the final 'Ikale Tahi team for the New Zealand Rugby World Cup will be announced on August 22. The first game of the World Cup will be the 'Ikale Tahi against the New Zealand All blacks on September 9 at Eden Park, Auckland.