'ISITOLO MAKA, Head Coach of the 'Ikale Tahi, on Friday, April 15 released the names of the twenty eight players who will make up the National team to contest the Churchill Cup in the UK in June.

This is the first time Tonga has been invited into this tournament which traditionally is comprised of only Northern Hemisphere teams.

The Churchill Cup tournament is contested in two pools of three teams. The 'Ikale Tahi is in the same pool with the USA and England Saxons in its pool whilst the second pool is made up of Canada, Russia and Italy A. After the pool phase, first, second and third in each pool then play off for the Cup, Bowl and Plate.

'Isitolo Maka said that he and his co-selectors have identified a wider squad of fifty players for consideration for the Rugby World Cup to be held in New Zealand later in the year and that the twenty eight selected for this tour were drawn from that squad. "Those players not included in this team will get their chance in July when the 'Ikale Tahi contests the IRB Pacific Nations Cup".

"With the Churchill Cup, the Pacific Nations Cup and two Test matches against Fiji during August we will have a very good lead in to the World Cup and the fifty players in the squad will have every opportunity to press their claims for selection in the final RWC team of thirty players," said 'Isitolo.

The team will assemble in London on Friday, 3rd June 2011.

Position, First name, Last name, Country, Village.

Props: Kisi Pulu (captain), France, Leimatu'a; Tonga Lea'aetoa, France, Talafo'ou; Maleko Latu, Tonga, Tokomololo; Taufa'ao Filise, Wales, Malapo/Fo'ui.

Hookers: Ilaisa Ma'asi, New Zealand, Halaleva; Atonio Halangahu, Australia, Ha'alaufuli; Semisi Telefoni, France, Holopeka.

Locks: Steven Mafi, England, Ahau; Josh Afu, England, Masilamea; Emosi Kauhenga, Japan, Folaha.

Loose/F: Pasuka Mapakaitolo, Japan, Vaini/Kolofo’ou;
Pepa Koloamatangi, New Zealand, Pangaimotu, Vava'u; Tevita Ula, Tonga, Kameli/Fasi; Paula Kaho, Australia, Matahau, Vaotu'u, Nukunuku, Neiafu.

No.8: Viliami Ma'afu, Japan, Kolovai/Longolongo; Sione Timani, Wales, Navutoka.

Halfbacks: Soane Havea, Tonga, Ma'ufanga; Daniel Morath, New Zealand, Leimatu'a.

First 5/8: Kurt Morath (V/captain), Australia, Leimatu'a;
Tevita Halaifonua Tonga, Houma, Vava'u; Kolomotu'a.

Inside Centers: Tomasi Sili, Tonga, Haveluliku; Silivenusi Kauhea Taumoepeaul, Japan, Kolofo'ou.

Centres: Alipate Fatafehi, France, Nadroga, Fisi; Hudson Tonga'uiha, England, Vaini.

Wingers: Viliami Helu, New Zealand, Fasi, Wellington, NZ; Viliami Iongi, Australia, Ha'akame; Sione Fonua New Zealand Ha'ateiho.

Fullback: Mateo Malupo, Tonga, Isileli, Sopu.

Tonga Rugby Union Authority, 15/04/11.