24 Aug 2011

Tonga ready for World Cup

10:27 am on 24 August 2011

Despite the drama surrounding changes at the top of Tonga rugby, the union says the team is ready for the World Cup.

There has been a changed at the top of the board after former chair Bob Tuckey quit over a selection disagreement with coach Isitolo Maka.

Flanker Finau Maka captains the side, with only a handful of players having previous World Cup experience, while Chiefs prop Sona Taumalolo and halfback Taniela Moa among those who will make their World Cup debuts.

The Board's deputy chair, Aminiasi Kefu, says the changes at board level have not affected the team.

The team is training in Nuku'alofa this week and departs for New Zealand in twelve days.