‘Ikale Tahi team announced for European Tour [1]
Monday, October 7, 2013 - 18:43
A 30-man 'Ikale Tahi squad has been announced for next month’s November European tour.
The line-up boasts players from a variety of notable clubs from around the world. The team is scheduled to play Romania, France and Wales. The challenging fixtures are a step-up from last year’s successful tour which saw Tonga defeat USA and Scotland.
Tonga’s opener against Romania on November 9 will be an historic occasion, marking the first ever encounter between Tonga and Romania in Rugby. Tonga’s second match is with the French who will be eager to get even with the ‘Ikale Tahi, in the first encounter between the two nations since the world cup. Tonga’s last fixture will be against six-nation’s champions Wales on November.
The ‘Ikale Tahi squad is listed below
Props
- Alisona Taumalolo (32) Perpignan, France
- Tevita Mailau (28) Mont De Marsan, France
- Taione Vea (24) London Wasp, UK
- Sila Puafisi (25) Tasman Mako, New Zealand
- Edmund Aholelei (31) Melbourne Rebels, Australia
Hookers
- Vaea Taione (30) Jersey Rugby Club, UK
- Ilaisa Ma’asi (31) CS Vienne, France
- Suliasi Taufalele (25) Counties Manukau, New Zealand
Locks
- Tukulua Lokotui (33) Gloucester, United Kingdom
- Uili Kolo’ofai (31) US Colomiers, France
- Opeti Fonua (27) Bayonne, France
Loosies
- Viliami Fainga’a (25) GPS Brisbane, Australia
- Nili Latu (31) NEC Green Rockets, Japan
- Viliami Fihaki (26) North Harbour, New Zealand
- Hale T Pole (34) Southland, New Zealand
- Sione Kalamafoni (25) Gloucester, United Kingdom
- Villiami Ma’afu (31) Oyonnax, France
Halfbacks
- Samisoni Fisilau (26) Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
- Tomasi Palu (27) Wellington, New Zealand
- Taniela Moa (31) Pau, France
Inside Backs
- Lisiate Havili (25) NTT Communications, Japan
- Latiume Fosita (21) Northland, New Zealand
- Fangatapu Apikatoa (30) Marist ‘Apifo’ou, Tonga
Midfield Backs
- Manu Ahota’e’iloa (27) Bayonne, France
- Sione Piukala (28) Perpignan, France
- Siale Piutau (27) Yamaha, Japan
Outside Backs
- Will Helu (24) London Wasps, United Kingdom
- Fetu’u Vainikolo (28) Exeter, United Kingdom
- Vungakoto Lilo (30) Trabes Pyreness, France
- David Halaifonua (26) Hofoa, Tonga