A Tonga A Team has been selected by the 'Ikale Tahi coach, Mana 'Otai to play a friendly game with the Newcastle Falcons, at Kingston Park, Newcastle, on November 13, (7.30pm United Kingdom time).

The Newcastle Falcons is one of the top English teams that are competing in the English Rugby Football Union Championship.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is the national governing body for grassroots and elite rugby in England, with 1,900 autonomous rugby clubs in its membership.

It is very rare for an international national rugby team to play a game in Newcastle, in the north east of England.

The Executive Director of the Falcons, Paul Variety, is reported to have said the "bringing Tonga to Kingston Park was a real opportunity to allow our fans to see international rugby in the region.

"Giving that chance to local youngsters was an important part of our thinking, and witnessing the 'Sipi Tau' before the game will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

The Tonga A/Newcastle Falcons game is a break from the 'Ikale Tahi's three-tests tour of Europe.

After the 'Ikale Tahi went down 23-28 to Italy last Saturday, November 10, it will meet the USA Eagles this Saturday, November 17 in Wales, before playing its final test match with the Scots in Aberdeen, Scotland on Saturday November 24.

Ghial, an Italian steel company is the major sponsor of the 'Ikale Tahi during their European tour. The manager of the 'Ikale Tahi, Dr Viliami Fukofuka said that a part of the sponsorship agreement was that Ghial was responsible for outfits and the uniforms of the 'Ikale Tahi during their tour.

The Ghial Tonga A team to play Newcastle Falcons is:
1. Soane Tonga’uiha
2. ‘Aleki Lutui
3. Tevita Mailau
4. Josh Afu
5. Sione Timani
6. Hale T Pole
7. Nili Latu (c)
8. Uamano Fono
9. Viliame ‘Iongi
10. Eddie Paea
11. ‘Apakuki Ma’afu
12. ‘Alipate Fatafehi
13. Will Helu
14. Mateo Malupo
15. Setaleki Lu’au

Reserves
16. Kamaliele Sakalia
17. Kisi Pulu
18. Samisoni Masima
19. Sione Vaiomounga
20. Taniela Moa
21. Sukanaivalu Hufanga
22. Vungakoto Lilo
23. Alisona Taumalolo

Management
Mana 'Otai, Head Coach
Mark Bakewell, Forwards Coach
Tim Lane, Backs Coach
Lano Fonua, Assistant Manager
Jodie McCarthy, Physio
Ander Rodoreda, Video Analyst