The 'Ikale Tahi squad of 28 players for the 2012 Pacific Nations Cup PNC tournament to be held in Japan next month, June was announced by the Tonga Rugby Union this morning, May 22.

The squad:

Props

1 'Ofa Fainga'anuku – Eastern Suburbs, Australia

2 Tevita Mailau – Auckland Blues, New Zealand

3 Sila Puafisi – Counties Manukau, New Zealand

4 Kisi Pulu – Perpignan, France

Hookers

5 'Ilaisa Ma'asi – Counties Manukau, New Zealand

6 Viliami Pola – Timaru, South Canterbury

Locks

7 Joe Tu'ineau – Montpellier, France

8 Joshua Afu – Carcarsson, France

9 Tukulua Lokotui – Kintetsu Liners, Japan

Loose Forwards

10 Sione Kalamafoni – Gloucester, England

11 Steven Mafi – Leicester Tigers, England

12 Paula Kaho – Canberra Vikings, Australia

13 Sione Vaiomo'unga – Toloa Old Boys, Tonga

14 'Osaiasi Pepa Koloamatangi – Counties Manukau, New Zealand

15 Viliami Ma'afu – Glasgow, Scotland

Halfbacks

16 Taniela Moa – Pau, France

17 Thomas Palu – Municipal Timisovava, Romania

Flyhalf

18 Kurt Morath - Japan

19 Eddie Paea – Australia

Centres

20 Sefa Vaka - Toyota Shokki, JAPAN

21 Mafile'o Kefu – Dax, France

22 Siale Piutau – Otago Highlanders, New Zealand

23 Kilifi Latu – Spartans, Tonga

24 'Alipate Fatafehi – Lyon, France

Wings

25 Fetu'u Vainikolo – Connacht, Ireland

26 Alaska Taufa – Akita Northern Bullets, Japan

27 Daniel Kilioni – Havelu Bulldogs, Tonga

Fullback

28 Viliame 'Iongi – Scarlets, WALES

Management

29 Toutai Kefu, Interim Head Coach

30 Sateki Tu'ipulotu, Interim Assistant Coach

31 Chris Hickey, Technical Advisor

32 Dr Uiliami Fuokofuka, Team Manager

33 Siaosi Lepuha Faka'osi, Assistant Team Manager

34 Dr Siale Hausia, Team Doctor

35 Faupula Kolokihakaufisi, Strength and Conditioning Trainer

36 Tim Gray, Physiotherapist

The non-travelling reserves are:

1 Richard 'Aho (Prop) Penrith, Australia

2 Sione Timani (Lock) Scarlets, Wales

3 Sione Vaioleti (Loose Forward) Counties Manukau, New Zealand

4 Samiu Vahafolau (Loose Forward) France

5 Samisoni Fisilau (Halfback) Counties Manukau, New Zealand

6 Kuki Ma'afu (Wing) Eastern Suburbs, Australia

7 Sione Piukala (Centre) Eastwood, Australia

8 Damien Fakafanua (Centre) Parramatta, Australia

9 Mateo Malupo (Wing) Northland, New Zealand

10 Viliami Hakalo (Wing) Spartans, Tonga.

Fifteen members of the squad will depart Tonga on June 1, and some will travel from Auckland, Sydney, France, and the United Kingdom, and they will assemble in Tokyo on June 2 together with some of the players who are already in Japan.

The draw for the 2012 PNC is as follows:

Round 1:

Tuesday 5 June 2012, Nagoya Municipal Mizuho Park Rugby Ground, Nagoya

17:10hrs Samoa versus Tonga

19:10hrs Fiji versus Japan

Round 2:

Sunday 10 June 2012, Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, Tokyo

12:10hrs Fiji versus Samoa

14:10hrs Japan versus Tonga

Round 3:

Sunday 17 June 2012, Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, Tokyo

14:10hrs Samoa versus Japan

Saturday 23 June 2012, Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji

15:40hrs Fiji versus Tonga

On the weekend of  June 16/17, the Japanese Rugby Union has agreed to host the 'Ikale Tahi for a game against a Japan Juniors on Friday June 15 at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, Tokyo. Kick-off at 16:00hrs.