Tongan rugby player Soane Tonga'uiha, a star with the Northampton Saints Rugby Club, in the East Midlands, England, will this year lead the charity fund-raising activities for his club, after committing to a testimonial year.

Under Soane's testimonial he will be donating funds and equipment for the Vaini Primary School, and for community projects in Vaini and also for other schools in Tongatapu. He is also supporting charity fund raising activites in the United Kingdom.

Soane has been playing for the Northampton Saints since 2004 and is regarded as one of the top front row props in English club rugby, and even in the world.

Late last year in New Zealand he was one of the key players that led Tonga's nation team, the 'Ikale Tahi to inflict the biggest upset of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, by defeating the Les Blues of France in Wellington.

Back in England for the 2012 Aviva Premiership, the Northampton Saints is again among the four top teams.

In the semi-final games for the Aviva Premiership, Northampton Saints will take on Harlequins and Saracens will play against the Leicester Tigers this Saturday, May 12. The winners of the two semi-finals will play for the Aviva Premiership League 2012 Trophy in Twickenham Stadium, London on Saturday May 26.

South Seas team

Soane in an interview with ESPN Television said that he was hopeful for a celebration game with the trophy on May 27 at the Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, when the Saints will play a South Seas team to raise funds for his testimonial.

The players already named for the Saints' team included, Matt Volland, Jon Phillips, Chris Budgen, Mark Sowden, Simon Emms, Paul Tupai, and Ben Lewitt.

For the South Seas, some of the names who will be running onto the field with Soane are , Finau Maka, Deacon Manu, Junior Poluleligaga, Ephraim Taukafa, Alesana Tuilagi, Steve Mafi, Junior Paramore, Epi Taione, Paino Hehea, Samu Manoa, George Pisi, Vunga Lilo, Chris Hala'ufia, Taniela Moa, Keni Fisilau, Logoui'i Mulipoa and others.

Cancer patients support

Lucy Tonga'uiha, Soane's wife, told Matangi Tonga that so far under Soane's testimonial they had donated financial assistance to a number of charities.

They have donated 4000 pounds to the Kislingbury Primary School to pay for the salary of the school-road crossing supervisor, Mrs Hillyard (71) was going to lose her job because of budget cut. Soane, who has a son at the school, said that it was very important to have the crossing lady to ascertain the safety of children when they crossed the road.

"We have donated £1000 ($2,778 Pa'anga) to a little girl, Milly who has a brain tumor that cannot be operated on.

"We will also be donating money to a Northampton hospice, treating patients who are dying of cancer.

"We are also helping another little girl in England who has cancer, and we are supporting Cancer Research UK," said Lucy.

Soane, Lucy and their four children, Sonny, George, Talia and Tommy will be visiting Tonga in June 2013 to help distribute their donations.