Tevita Tatafu

Tevita Tatafu, a Tongan student on a rugby scholarship to Japan, has been selected into a Japanese national team.

Takai Palei, the secretary of a society of the Tongan Community in Japan told Matangi Tonga today that the principal of Meguro High School, Sekiguchi, and the coach of the school's rugby team Takeuchi, made the announcement of Tevita's selection into the Japanese under 18-years-old national team on Monday, 4 March, when Tonga's Ambassador to Japan, HE Tania Laumanulupe Tupou visited the Meguro High School.

The Japanese under-18 National Team will tour Italy and France at the end of March, and Tevita will be playing at No. 8.

Tevita a former Tonga College student was awarded a scholarship to study and play rugby at the Meguro High School, Tokyo in 2012.

He and a fellow Tonga College student, 'Ata'ata Moeakiola were the first Tongan students to attend Meguro High School.

Takai said that the principal spoke highly of the two Tongan students, and that was why two more students from Tonga College were awarded scholarships to attend Meguro High this year. Sosefo Fakatava and Samisoni 'Asaeli arrived at Meguro High School at the end of February.

Takai said that previously two former Tonga College students who were awarded scholarship to study and play rugby in Japan, and are still playing for Japanese national rugby teams are: Koliniasi Holani for the Japanese national rugby team and Mao Teaupa for the Japanese seven-a-side national team.

Another former scholarship students who is playing in the Japanese National Rugby Competition is Pasuka Mapakaitolo, who plays for the Kobe Steeler, at No. 8.