7 May 2016

Sport: Appointment of Kefu to Tonga rugby brings credibility

11:16 am on 7 May 2016

The Interim Chair of the Tonga Rugby Union says the appointment of former Wallaby Toutai Kefu to be coach of the national team brings immediate credibility to the post.

Kefu was capped 60 times for Australia and played 103 games for the Queensland Reds.

Fe'ao Vunipola says Kefu has a great reputation both in Tonga and globally.

Vunipola said he was 'over-the-moon' that Kefu has signed up for at least a year.

He said Kefu will have a team of assistants including former Tongan internationals Siua Taumalolo and Tevita Taumoepeau.

"In rugby, a big thing is respect and players to listen and respect to coaches who have been there and done it, got the tee-shirt. They've proven their coaching ability coaching their respective teams in Japan and for Siua in Russia. It's a good thing for Tongan rugby that we have a few of our favourite sons coming back."