Tonga have named a 41-man squad for pre-World Cup matches against Fiji and Samoa – and included Worcester Warriors hooker Aleki Lutui.
The squad will face pre-World Cup warm-up matches against pacific neighbours Fiji and Samoa before Head Coach Isitolo Maka announces his final 30-man squad later this month.
Maka said: “In the last twenty months, between the ‘Ikale Tahi’ and the Tonga A Teams, they have played about 30 games, and to me, that is good preparation for the boys.”
“We have played some very strong national teams such as Portugal, the French Barbarians, Italy and Japan, as well as challenging ‘A’ teams, the likes of Scotland A and Ireland A.”
Tonga kick-off their 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign against the tournament hosts, All Blacks, in September. The 41-man squad has been instructed to report to camp on Thursday, August 4.
Worcester Forwards Coach Phil Davies said: “It’s great news for Aleki and we wish him all the very best with Tonga. We always knew there was a chance this would happen and this is a fantastic opportunity for him to potentially play in yet another World Cup.
“Aleki will come back to us after his time with Tonga with a huge appetite for rugby after such a great experience and it will be like signing a new player.
“Chris Fortey had a great season for us last year and Ed Shervington is developing very quickly. We also have young Ollie Hayes coming back to full fitness so we have three senior hookers who can play and so we can deal with Aleki’s call-up.”
Tonga squad: Soane Longopoa Tonga’uiha, Faka’?naua ki ‘Alisona Taumalolo, Kisi Pulu, Halani ‘Aulika, Tonga Lea’aetoa, Taufa’ao Filise, ‘Aleki ‘Aho Lutui, Ephraim Taukafa, ‘Aliosio ‘Ilaisia Ma’asi, Semisi Fonua Telefoni, Joseph Mark Laifone Tu’ineau, Sione Lamipeti, Ngalu Timani, Tukulua ‘Atu Lokotui, Kelekolio Paino Hehea, Lisiate Fa’aoso, Joshua Lavamofa’oa Afu, Sione Ma’ake Kalamafoni, Viliami Suaesi Ma’afu, Tevita Haniteli Ula, Samiu Kaufusi Vahafolau, Viliami Pasuka Mapakaitolo, Finau Maka, Sione Fale ki he Fohe Vaiomo’unga, ‘Osaiasi Pepa Veikune Koloamatangi, Thomas Ta’ufo’ou Palu, Samisoni Fisilau, Soane Patita, Pat Boon Sioape Havea, ‘Amanaki Vatikani, ‘Unaloto ki Pulotu Vea Teutau (a.k.a Taniela Moa), Kurt Stanley Morath, Andrew Kautonga Ma’ilei, Hudson Tonga’uiha, Alaska Nikolasi Taufa, Latu ‘Alipate Fatafehi, Sukanaivalu Ikavuka Hufanga, Siale Vailea Piutau, Viliame Volavola ‘Iongi, William Fetu’ufuka Ukumaki Aorere Helu, ‘Etueni Siua, Mateo Vakatalau Malupo, Vungakoto Filimone Lilo.