‘Ikale Tahi squad leaks to media, TRU unhappy

The ‘Ikale Tahi  squad list for 2016  has been  leaked to media this week.

The 31 strong men has been confirmed to Kaniva News  by the interim Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) Chair Fe’ao Vunipola.

Vunipola  said he was not happy when he found out the list has been published by local newspapers.

He said it has not been approved to be officially announced and what had happened was “disappointing”.

The list showed the old guard Nili Latu would lead the national team in the upcoming Pacific Cup tounament next month.

The squad:

  1. Sione Faletau – Canterbury
  2. Ben Tameifuna – Racing Metro
  3. Sila Puafisi – Glasgow
  4. Leo Halavatau – London Irish
  5. Sione Lea – Taranaki
  6. Elvis Taione – Exeter
  7. Sione Anga’aelangi – Counties
  8. Steve Mafi – Force
  9. Daniel Faleafa – Alibi
  10. Uili Kolo’ofa’i – Jersey
  11. Jack Ram – Auckland
  12. Nili Latu (captain) – Newcastle
  13. Sione Kalamafoni – Gloucester
  14. Sione Tau – Agen
  15. Viliami Fihaki – Sale
  16. Mikaele Mafi – Otago,
  17. Sonatane Takulua – Newcastle
  18. Wayne Ngaluafe – Auckland
  19. Latiume Fosita – Auckland
  20. Martin Naufahu – Rebels
  21. David Halaifonua – Gloucester
  22. Nafi Tu’itavake – Narbonne
  23. Viliami ‘Iongi – San Francisco
  24. ‘Otulea Katoa – Edinburgh
  25. Viliami Hakolo – Nottingham
  26. Daniel Kilioni – Grenoble
  27. Viliami Tahitu’a – Yamaha
  28. ‘Apakuki Ma’afu – NSW Country.

Possible addition for Samoa Games:

  1. Daniel Halangahu – Narbonne
  2. ‘Atieli Pakalani – Carcarzonne
  3. Cooper Vuna – Worcester Warrior

Headcoach: Toutai Kefu

Assitant: Siua Taumalolo

Other coaches:

Sateki Tu’ipulotu (Game)

Tevita Taumoepeau (Scrum)

Semisi Fonua (Sand C Trainer)

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