Under 20 National Team

Tonga's Under 20 National Rugby Team left this morning, June 11 to participate in the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy tournament to be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA from June 17-30.

There are only two pools in the tournament, and Tonga is in Pool A together with Chile, Russia and the USA. In Pool B are Canada, Georgia, Japan and Zimbabwe.

Tonga will play its first game against the USA at the Murray Rugby Park Stadium on June 17, then on June 22 against Russia, and on June 26 against Chile; all on the same ground.

The final between the winners of the two pools will be played on June 30 on Murray Rugby Park Stadium.

The head coach of Tonga Under 20, 'Otenili Tu'ipulotu said that there aim to win the tournament so that Tonga can get back into the Under 20 Championship where there are teams from the Top rugby countries of the world, including Fiji and Samoa.

The 26 players in the Tonga Under 20 national team are:

Viliami Fatafehi, Prop

Saia Halalilo, Prop

Wilson Lavelua, Prop

Kepueli Mafi, Prop

Kalafi Pongi, Hooker

Manisela Tu'itupou, Hooker

Michael Faleafa, Lock

Vainanuma Manu, Lock

Tikilita Peaua, Lock

'Alifeleti 'Atiola, Flanker

Dillan Halaholo, Flanker

Fotu Lokotui, Flanker

Sesita Vaiomo'unga, Flanker

Solomon T-Pole, No. 8

Sione Makaafi, Scrumhalf

Filimone Moala, Scrumhalf

Latiume Fosita, Flyhalf

'Amanaki Lea'atoa, Flyhalf

Johnathan Fainga'a, Centre

Thomas Faiva, Centre

Sione Teaupa, Centre

'Eiki Osamu, Wing

Hosea Saumaki, Wing

Siale Talakai, Wing

Latuselu Vailea, Wing

Manase Folau, Fullback.

Management

'Otenili Tu'ipulotu, Head Coach

Uatekini Halatoafa, Team Manager

Sione Pangai, Assistant Coach

'Otumuli Mavae, Physiotherapist

Duke mataka, Team Doctor

Semisi Fonua, Trainer.