Tonga loose forward Nasi Manu says he already feels at home among the 'Ikale Tahi rugby squad.
Benetton Treviso's Nasi Manu attempts to evade the tackle of Leinster's Noel Reid. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The former Highlanders captain has just completed his first season at Italian side Treviso after two years with Edinburgh.
The 29-year-old is one of six new caps in the team to contest the Pacific Nations Cup in Fiji.
Nasi Manu said he is excited to get the chance to represent his family.
"My parents were born in Tonga and they obviously moved [to New Zealand] for better opportunities for us [kids]," he said.
"I obviously grew up in New Zealand and you always want to be an All Black, most rugby boys, but for me it's just a great opportunity to represent my family and it's where my blood-line comes from.
"I'm just real proud to be part of the Tongan camp and it's who I am so it's great."
The Tongan squad went into camp in Auckland at the weekend, with only Castres trio Paea Faʻanunu, Steve Mafi and Maama Vaipulu having to skip the extended preparation due to their commitments in the French Top 14 playoffs.
Nasi Manu spent some time with the 'Ikale Tahi squad during their November tour in the Northern Hemisphere and said he has fitted in well.
"I've got a few cousins in the team - I grew up with Paula Ngauamo, he's one of my good cousins, friend. It's great, I feel at home in this team environment and just real excited to be part of the team."
Tonga new cap Nasi Manu. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Vinnie Wylie
Tonga begin their Pacific Nations Cup campaign next weekend against Georgia in Suva and the former New Zealand Under 20s representative is looking forward to his making his test debut.
"Obviously this is the highest level of rugby you can play and I'm really excited but I'm expecting it to be the most physical game you can play," he said.
"I get to play in big internationals and I'm just excited about the level of rugby."
Tonga take a break during their training camp in Auckland. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Vinnie Wylie
