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22 August 2023

‘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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