8 Nov 2012

Sport: Late changes to Tonga's 'Ikale Tahi rugby squad

11:32 am on 8 November 2012

There are some late changes to the Tongan rugby squad, with veteran prop Taufa'ao Filise opting to retire from internationals.

Glasgow's Ofa Fainga'anuku was originally called up as a replacement but was injured at the weekend, so Perpignan prop Kisi Pulu has been rushed into the team.

'Ikale Tahi head coach Mana Otai says the 35 year old Taufa'ao has been a great servant to Tongan rugby.

"He has been a stalwart of Tongan rugby for a long time. I found out last week, on the weekend. After a few games between then and now he finally feels there's very little left for him to continue to look after his family and welfare as well."

Mana Otai says centre Hudson Tonga'uiha has also withdrawn through injury and been replaced by former Tongan rugby league representative Eddie Paea.