A Tonga Defence Services 33 member rugby team, including officials, will compete in the Pacific Nations Military Rugby tournament in Canberra, Australia on October 14-23.

Captain Peni Latu, Administrator for the team said there are 25 players, three reserves with five officials.

The tournament held every two years, hosted by either Australia and New Zealand, began in 2006 with six teams from the Defence Forces of New Zealand, Australia, French New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga.

This is the tournament's third year, which will feature all original teams with the exception of the French and Fijians. In 2008 Tonga was third after beating Australia to win the shield.

Peni also confirmed that TDS would also be joining the Military World Cup in 2011, featuring 14 countries.

Donation

In the meantime the TDS rugby team has been gaining local support after the MBF Bank donated $1,500 pa'anga on September 30, to buy tracksuits, shoes and training gear for players.

Tonight, October 1, the TDS will host a fundraising dinner for the team at Touliki. The Australian Defence Force will pay for the team's expenses while in Australia.

TDS Rugby team manager is Cmdr Satisi Vunipola, with Rev Latailakepa as coach, Capt Peni Latu as administrator, WOI Takeifanga as assistant coach, and Sgt Mahe as trainer.

The team is expected to leave Tonga on a Royal New Zealand Air Force plane on October 12.