The 'Ikale Tahi has announced its 39 man squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup. The tournament is set to kick off on May 25 with Tonga taking on Japan in Yokohama.

The squad line-up lists 39 players from a variety of backgrounds, including veterans Nili Latu, Sione Kalamafoni, Kurt Morath, Suka Hufanga, Fangatapu ‘Apikatoa, Taniela Moa and Fetu’u Vainikolo. Two players from the Tongan Rugby Sevens team and six from Tonga A were also included.

The 2013 Pacific Nations Cup will feature a different format from previous years with the addition of teams USA and Japan. Cup holders Manu Samoa have opted out of this year’s tournament as they participate in a “Quadrangular Tournament” featuring South Africa, Scotland and Italy.

Mana Otai resumes 2013 as head coach with the success of last year’s European Tour under his belt.

Tongan Fixtures for Pacific Nations Cup 2013

Japan vs. Tonga
May 25, 2013
Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium, Yokohama

Canada vs. Tonga
Saturday June 8 2013
Richardson Stadium at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario

USA vs, Tonga
Friday, June 14, 2013
Rio Tinto Stadium, Salt Lake City, USA

Tonga vs. Fiji
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Chichibunomiya Memorial, Tokyo

Full Team List

Props
Eddie ‘Aholelei, Melbourne Rebels
Peni Fakalelu, Pau (France)
Taione VeaCounties Manukau Steelers
Sila Puafisi, Tasman
Kamaliele Sakalia, Tonga A

Hookers
Elvis Taione, Jersey Rugby Club (UK)
Ilaise Ma’asi, CS Viennie Rugby Club (France)

Locks
Kamaishi Sea Waves (Japan)
Tukulua Lokotui, Gloucestor (UK)
Daniel Faleafa, NorthLand
Samisoni Fifita Masima,Tonga A

Loose Forwards
Sione Kalamafoni, Gloucestor (UK)
Nili Latu, NEC Green Rockets (Japan)
Paula Kaho, Canberra Vikings
Viliami Ma’afu, Massey (NZL)
Viliami Fihaki, North Harbour (New Zealand)

Halfbacks
Taniela Moa, Pau, France
Thomas Palu, Wellington Hurricanes Dev

First 5/8
Fangatapu ‘Apikatoa, Amatori Rugby
Kurt Morath, Kubota Spears

Centres
Sione Piukala, Perpignan, France
Siale Piutau, Yamaha, Japan
Suka Hufanga, Newcastle, UK

Wingers
Will Helu, Manly, Australia
Viliami ‘Iongi, Tonga A
Fetu’u Vainikolo, Connacht, Ireland

Full Backs
Viliami Hakalo, Tonga A
David Halaifonua, Tonga 7s

Non-Travelling Reserves
Ofa Fainganuku, Glasgow Warriors, Scotland
Akameta Fe’ao, Toloa Old Boys
Emosi Kauhenga, Ricoh
Hale T Pole, Otago
Sione Vaiomo’unga, CS Viennie Rugby Club, France
Finau Tupa, Japan
Siale Fahiua, Tonga A
Manu ‘Ahota’e’iloa, Bayonne, France
Alaska Taufa, Akita Northern Bullet, Japan
Fraser Anderson, Kobe, Japan

Management
Mana ‘Otai (Head Coach)
Dr Uiliami Fukofuka (Team Manager)
Mark Bakewell (Forwards Coach)
Dave Ellis (Backs Coach)
Dr. Fakaosi Pifileti (Doctor)
Jodie McCarthy (Physio)
Semisi Fonua (S&C)
Joh Fifita (Video Analyst).