19 Aug 2015

Sport: Tonga announce Rugby World Cup squad

9:25 am on 19 August 2015

A host of familiar names are back after Tonga announced its squad for the Rugby World Cup.

UK-based David Halaifonua, Sione Kalamafoni, Samisoni Fisilau, Aleki Lutui, Paula Ngauomo and Will Helu have been included in the 'Ikale Tahi's 30-man squad, along with Siale Piutau, who plies his trade in Japan.

All seven players have yet to feature for Tonga in 2015, having missed the Pacific Nations Cup.

Melbourne Rebels winger Telusa Veainu, centre Viliami Tahitu'a and locally-based halfback Sosefo Ma'ake have also been included, having made their international debut in the PNC.

One more player is still to be added to the final squad.

The team has gathered in England for a training camp in Surrey as part of the preparations.

Tonga open their World Cup campaign against Georgia next month and also face Namibia, Argentina and New Zealand in pool play.

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Photo: World Rugby / Colin Watson

Full squad:

TEVITA MAILAU

ALISONA TAUMALOLO

SOANE TONGA'UIHA

HALANI AULIKA

SILA PUAFISI

ELVIS TAIONE

PAULA NGAUAMO

ALEKI LUTUI

TUKULUA LOKOTUI

JOESEPH TUINEAU

STEVE MAFI

OPETI FONUA

HALE T-POLE

NILI LATU

JACK RAM

VILIAMI MA'AFU

SIONE KALAMAFONI

SONATANE TAKULUA

SAMISONI FISILAU

SOSEFO MA'AKE

KURT MORATH Biarritz

LATIUME FOSITA

SIONE PIUKALA

SIALE PIUTAU

VILIAMI TAHITU'A

FETU'U VAINIKOLO

TELUSA VEAINU

TEVITA HALAIFONUA

WILLIAM HELU

VUNGAKOTO LILO