‘Ikale Tahi Rugby World Cup Squad 2023 Named
An impressive 32-man ‘Ikale Tahi squad has been selected to represent Tonga at the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. With two solid outings against Canada to conclude their July campaign, the ‘Ikale Tahi head into Pool B where they’ll face strong competition in Six Nations counterparts, Scotland and Ireland, defending champions South Africa, and Romania. Tonga’s opening match on September 16th will be a blockbuster up against world number one ranked, Ireland.
Moana Pasifika are proud to congratulate eleven of their representatives that have been named to travel to France.
Sosefo ‘Apikotoa
Prop
Fasi-Moe-Afi
St Patrick’s College, Silverstream, Upper Hutt Rugby Club, Hutt Old Boys Marist, Hawke’s Bay
5 – Chiefs, 16- Moana Pasifika Caps. 3 Caps – ‘Ikale Tahi.
Sione Havili Talitui
Flanker
Pangai, Nomuka. Tofoa. Niuafo’ou
Auckland Grammar School, Wanderers, Tasman
35 Caps – Crusaders, 1 – Blues. 9 Caps – ‘Ikale Tahi.
Solomone Funaki
Flanker
Fanga-O-Pilolevu. Pangai
Liahona High School, Havelu Bulldog Rugby Club, Hawkes Bay
10 Caps – Moana Pasifika. 7 Caps – ‘Ikale Tahi.
Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi
Prop
Pea. Ha’avakatolo
Wesley College, Marist Auckland, Marist, Otago.
10 Caps – Moana Pasifika. 7 Caps – ‘Ikale Tahi.
Samiuela Moli
Hooker, Flanker
Leimatu’a. Te’ekiu.
Marlborough Boys’ College, Harlequins Marlborough, Nelson Marist, Tasman
23 Caps – Moana Pasifika. 13 Caps – ‘Ikale Tahi.
William Havili
Flyhalf, Fullback.
Kolomotu’a, Sopu
Nelson College, Huia, Nelson Kahurangi, Tasman.
12 Caps – Moana Pasifika. 9 Caps – ‘Ikale Tahi.
Manu Paea
Halfback
Pelehake, Ma’ufanga. Lotofoa.
Rotorua Boys’ High School, Eden Rugby Club, Manukau Rovers, Auckland.
12 Caps – Moana Pasifika. 9 Caps – ‘Ikale Tahi.
Fine Inisi
Winger, Centre
Longoteme. Fangaleounga
Westlake Boys’ High School, Takapuna Rugby Club, North Harbour.
22 Caps – Moana Pasifika. 7 Caps – ‘Ikale Tahi.
Kyren Taumoefolau
Winger
Tu’anekivale. Ha’afeva.
Marlborough Boys’ College, Waitohi Club, Tasman.
5 Caps – ‘Ikale Tahi.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 28: Kyren Taumoefolau of Tonga celebrates scoring a try during the 2023 Sydney Sevens match between Tonga and Japan at Allianz Stadium on January 28, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Anzelo Tuitavuki
Winger
Angaha. Kolomotu’a, Falaleu. Niufo’ou.
Liston College, Manukau Rovers, Hawkes Bay Magpies.
8 Caps – Moana Pasifika. 7 Caps – ‘Ikale Tahi.
Paula Latu
Prop
Mataika. Tu’anuku. ‘Uiha.
Liahoina High School, MAC HB, Woodlands, Southland.
1 Cap – ‘Ikale Tahi.
INVERCARGILL, NEW ZEALAND – OCTOBER 01: Paula Latu of Southland looks on during the round nine Bunnings NPC match between Southland and North Harbour at Rugby Park Stadium, on October 01, 2022, in Invercargill, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
‘Ikale Tahi Full Squad
Forwards
Sosefo ‘Apikotoa – Fasi-Moe-Afi
Adam Coleman – Ha’ato’u, Pangai. Lapaha, Vaini.
Sione Havili Talitui – Pangai, Nomuka. Tofu. Niuafo’ou.
Vaea Fifita – Kameli, Leimatu’a.
Siegfried Fisi’ihoi – Falaleu, ‘Utui
Feao Fotuaika – Pea
Solomone Funaki – Fanga-O-Pilolevu. Pangai
Tanginoa Halaifonua – Fatumu. Tukulalo, Homua.
Tau Koloamatangi – Pea, Ha’avakatolo.
Paula Latu – Mataika, Tu’anuku. ‘Uiha.
Samiuela Lousi – Kanokupolu. Leimatu’a.
Sitiveni Mafi – ‘Ahau, Kolovai. Sailoame, Talau.
Siua Maile – Mata’aho. Veitongo.
Samiuela Moli – Limatura. Te’ekiu.
Paula Ngauamo – Vaini, Kolomotu’a, Fasi, Kolofo’ou
Semisi Paea – Falalevu
Ben Tameifuna – Pea
Sione Vailanu – Kolovai
Backs
Pita AhKi – Sapa’ata. Ma’ufanga.
Malakai Fekitoa – Ha’afakahenga, Faleloa
William Havili – Kolomotu’a, Sopu.
Fine Inisi – Longoteme. Fangaleounga.
Solomone Kata – Niuafo’ou, Leimatua
Otumaka Mausia – Ha’afakahenga, Faleloa.
George Moala – Pukotala. Ha’asini, Vaini.
Manu Paea – Pelehake, Ma’ufangfa. Niuatoputapu.
Salesi Piutau – Kolofo’ou, Folaha.
Augustine Pulu – Leimatu’a, Mataika, Neiafu. Hofoa.
Sonatane Takulua – Lapaha, Ma’ufanga. Niuatoputapu.
Kyren Taumoefolau – Tu’anekivale. Ha’afeva.
Afusipa Taumoepeau – Kolofo’ou.
Anzelo Tuitavuki – Kolomotu’a, Angaha. Niuafo’ou.
Not considered for selection due to injury
Isileli Folau (Knee)
Telusa Veainu (Hamstring)
*Pending one additional player
ENDS
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