Tonga's National Rugby Sevens Team for the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Tournament will leave Tonga tomorrow, March 17.

Head Coach Sateki Tu'ipulotu said that his players have been training hard and they should do well in their Hong Kong 7's campaign. "We need to do well in order for the Tonga Rugby 7's to compete in all legs of the HSBC World Series 2012-13 series," said Sateki.

The Hong Kong tournament is quite significant because it is also a qualifying tournament for teams such as Tonga to advance and join the 12 core teams in the 2012-13 IRB international sevens circuit.

The 12 core teams will complete for the cup while the rest of the teams, including Tonga will compete for the bowl. The winner, runner up and third place teams in the Bowl competition will automatically qualify to join the 12 core teams in next year's International Sevens Circuit.

The Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Tournament will be the most important sevens tournament that Tonga National Sevens Team will compete to date.

Tonga's first game will be against China on March 23, followed by two games against Hong Kong and Uruguay on March 24.

On Thursday, March 15 the team, the manager, coach, and the president and members of the Tonga Rugby Board Authority met the Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano at his office and he wished them all the best for Hong Kong

Tonga Sevens Team

1. Jack Ram, forwards, Ha'ateiho Spartan

2. Vaea Tangitau Poteki, backs, Sila Pelu Ua

3. Kilifi Latu, backs, Ha'ateiho Spartan

4. 'Ofa Finau, ulitility, Ha'ateiho Spartan

5. Viliami Ahofoni, Hakalo, utility, Ha'ateiho Spartan

6. Daniel Kilioni, backs, Havelu Bulldogs

7. Feleti Fifita, backs, Sopu

8. Siale Talakai, backs, Toloa Old Boys

9. Taufu'i Poteki, forwards, Toloa Old Boys

10. 'Atunaisa Faka'osi, forwards, Havelu Bulldogs

11. Manase Folau, backs, Toloa 1st XV

12. Sione Makaafi, backs, Ha'ateiho Spartan

Management

13. Sateki Tu'ipulotu, Head Coach

14. Mavae Otumuli, Physiotherapist

15. 'Otenili Tu'ipulotu, Team Manager.