Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala

The 'Ikale Tahi has been an uniting factor for Tonga, the Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala  told a group of 'Ikale Tahi players who left Tonga on Friday, June 1 for Japan to take part in the 2012 Pacific Nations Cup.

Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala reminded the players of the significant role that the 'Ikale Tahi is playing in uniting the country. "There are differences, but the 'Ikale Tahi united Tongans from all walks of life in their support." He wished the 'Ikale Tahi all the best for the tournament in Japan from June 5-8.

In response to the Crown Prince's farewell message, Manu Vunipola, who is on the new Board of Directors of the reformed Tonga Rugby Union, and a former 'Ikale Tahi player, recalled with sentiment how the national team was called to the Royal Residence at Fua'amotu and the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV had named the national team 'Ikale Tahi.

The Deputy President of the Tonga Rugby Union, Soape Tuiono said that the team's present for the Crown Prince's Wedding in July will be "a win", to which the gathering clapped and cheered.

The manager of the team Dr Viliami Fukofuka said that the group of ten players forJapan, included eight overseas players and two local players. With the other 18 players some were already in Japan and the others were on their way to Japan from various parts of the world, some from Fiji and from Europe.

The 'Ikale Tahi players were scheduled to assemble in Wagoya, Japan on June 2 and start preparing for their first game against the Manu Samoa on June 5.

The ten players who left Tonga on June 1 were:

Local players – Dan Kilioni and Kilifi Latu.

Overseas Players – Paula Kaho, 'Alipate Fatafehi, Viliame 'Iongi, Sione Vaiomo'unga, 'Eti Paea, Damien Fakafanua, 'Ofa Fainga'anuku and Tevita Mailau.

The group was accompanied by the team manager, Dr Viliami Fukofuka and his assistant Siaosi Lepuha Faka'osi.