Tonga releases list of their 2011 Rugby World Cup’s final 30-man squad – Rugby News
The Tonga Rugby Union has announced their final 30-man squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign.
The Tongan national Rugby Union team, commonly known as ‘Ikale Tahi’s, 2011 RWC squad was announced on Tuesday, August 23. 'Ikale Tahi head coach, 'Isitolo Maka, and Chairman Rev. Tevita Latailakepa were present at the occasion of the announcement of their final squad for this year’s rugby’s premier tournament.
Finau Maka has been named as the captain of the Tongan outfit to lead his side into the tournament. The 34-year-old Maka currently plays for the French Top 14 outfit, Toulouse. Meanwhile the 28-year-old Bristol Rugby fullback, Vungakoto Lilo, is appointed as his deputy.
Speaking on the occasion, 'Isitolo Maka, confirmed that the players are currently training at Sia’atoutai Theological College. He added that that the training is conducted in two parts, morning and afternoon sessions, and will last until the end of the current week.
Tongan head coach Maka confirmed that their current practice session will end on Sunday, August 28, with a combined prayer service at FWC Centenary Church. Later on Monday, August 29, the team will participate in a weeklong training at Soccer Centre at Loto Tonga, Veitongo.
The Tongan squad will depart for New Zealand on Monday, September 5.
Tonga’s final 30-man squad for their 2011 RWC campaign consists of following players,
1. ‘Aleki ‘Aho Lutui, 2. Ephraim Taukafa, 3. ‘Aloisio ‘Ilaisa Ma’asi, 4. ‘Alisona Taumālolo, 5. Kisi Pulu, 6. Soane Longopoa Tonga’uiha, 7. Halani ‘Aulika, 8. Taufa’ao Filise, 9. Kelekolio Paino Hehea, 10. Sione Lamipeti Ngalu Timani, 11. Tukulua Lokotui, 12. Joseph Mark Laifone Tu’ineau, 13. Sione Ma’ake Kalamafoni, 14. Finau Maka (Captain), 15. Viliami Suaesi Ma’afu, 16. Samiu Vahafolau, 17. Sione Vaiomo’unga, 18. Taniela Moa, 19. Thomas Taufoou Palu, 20. Samisoni Fisilau, 21. Kurt Stanley Morath, 22. Siale Vailea Piutau, 23. Latu ‘Alipate H Nasqasima Fatafehi, 24. Andrew Kautonga Ma’ilei, 25. Sukanaivalu Ikavuka Hufanga, 26. William Fetu’ufuka Ukumaki Helu, 27. Fetu’umoana Vainikolo, 28. Alaska Nikolasi Taufa, 29. Viliamo Volovola ‘Iongi, 30. Vungakoto Lilo (Vice Captain)
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