The Pacific Nations Cup will commence this Saturday May 25, with the ‘Ikale Tahi taking on Japan’s “Brave Blossoms” in Yokohama, Japan.

The Pacific Nations Cup has expanded its competition this year with the United States and Canada joining in as formidable opponents. The 2013 Pacific Nations Cup champions, Manu Samoa, have opted out of this year’s tournament as they participate in the “Quadrangular Tournament” featuring South Africa, Scotland and Italy.

Tongan fixtures for Pacific Nations Cup 2013

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

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

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

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

Full Team List

Props

Eddie ‘Aholelei, Melbourne Rebels
Peni Fakalelu, Pau (France)
Taione Vea, Counties 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

Joshua Afu, 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
Viliame ‘Iongi, Tonga A
Fetu’u Vainikolo, Connacht, Ireland

Full Backs

Viliame 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, rugby viennie
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).