Folau gets chance to return to test rugby after making Tonga squad

Israel Folau, Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau will play for Tonga in this year’s internationals.

Former Wallaby Israel Folau
Photo: AFP

The former Wallaby and All Black players were named in an ‘Ikale Tahi team announcement made today by the Tonga Rugby Union.

Former All Black Augustine Pulu and former Warriors player Solomone Kata were also named in what is arguably Tonga’s most formidable backline ever.

Charles Piutau
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The 31-member lineup will be coached by former Wallaby Toutai Kefu.

Tonga are scheduled to play their first international against Fiji on 2 July.

Last November advocates for Pacific islands rugby welcomed World Rugby’s decision to allow players to switch their international allegiance, hailing it as a game-changer for a region rich in talent but poor in resources.

It cleared the way for players like Folau and Piutau to represent the country of their heritage once they were no longer needed by the nation which first capped them.

The player must stand down from international rugby for a period of 36 months and may change unions only once, subject to approval by the World Rugby.

A fundamentalist Christian, Folau had his Wallabies and Super Rugby deals terminated in 2019 after posting a meme that said hell awaited “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers” and others.

He has been most recently been playing in Japan.

Last week World Rugby announced it had established the Tonga Rugby Infrastructure and Rebuilding Fund and pledged $195,000 to kick-start the restoration of Tonga’s rugby infrastructure impacted by January’s volcanic eruption and tsunami.

The fund will finance capital projects such as the rebuilding of the Tonga Rugby Union’s offices and high-performance gymnasium as well as the rehabilitation of rugby grounds across Tonga.

The full squad is:

Loose heads Sigfried Fisi’ihoi Tau Kolomatangi and David Lolohea

Hookers Samiuela Moli Siua Maile and Jay Fonokalafi

Backrow Tanginoa Halaifonua Viliami Taulani Lotu Inisi Solomone Funaki and Sione Tu’ipulotu

Locks Samuela Lousi Halaleva Fifita and Veikoso Poloniati

Halfbacks Sonatane Takulua Augustine Pulu and Manu Paea

Centres Malakai Fekitoa Afusipa Taumoepeau Fetuli Paea and Fine Inisi

Flyhalfs William Havili and James Faiva

Outside backs: Solomone Kata Salesi Piutau Tima Fainga’anuku Israel Folau and Anzelo Tuitavuki