Kurt Morath

'Ikale Tahi first five Kurt Morath had barely arrived in Austin, Texas before it was announced the 2020 Major League Rugby season was no more.

The 38 test veteran made his international debut for Tonga in 2009.

Morath made his debut for the Austin Gilgronis on 7 March, after visa problems delayed his arrival, converting Tiaan Erasmus' first half try as the visitors edged the Houston SabreCats 24-20 to seal their first win of the season and snap a 22-match losing run dating back to June 2018.

The 31-year-old Morath has played 30 times for Tonga, including at the past two Rugby World Cups.

RNZI reports after stints playing professionally in New Zealand, Japan and France, he said the chance to experience something completely different was too good to turn down.