Malakai Fekitoa

Malakai Fekitoa doesn't mind.

The New Zealand World Cup winner who jumped on the eligibility law changes to play for Tonga, his country of birth, said their late start has enlightened them on how teams have handled the opening weekend.

"(Waiting has been) good for us as we can see what's going on and have a feel how the competition is going before we get into our work,” he said.

And his impression? “Mixed performances, maybe nerves. A lot of teams did not want to lose so we've not seen them taking risks. The next round will be different.”

Former All Blacks reps Charles Salesi Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa are in the starting line-up.

Axed Wallaby Israel Folau who featured prominently in the match against Australia A last week has not been included in the match-day 23.

Tonga has named only one debutant for this match with Patrick Pellegrini set to earn his first cap off the bench.

Ikale Tahi is riding high with confidence after it’s jaw-dropping performance against Australia A and will be looking to mirror this against the Flying Fijians.

The 30-year-old was a high-profile signing from Wasps on a two-year deal that was announced on February 2 last year, but the Irish province are now planning to do without him for the 2023/24 season.

A statement read: “Munster Rugby can confirm that Malakai Fekitoa will depart at the end of the campaign after one year at the province. So far this season, Malakai has made 11 Munster appearances including nine starts, playing at inside centre and outside centre.

The former All Black and Wallaby representatives were named in a team announcement by the Tonga Rugby Union today.

It is a historic moment for Pacific rugby, with eligibility rules now allowing Pacific Islanders players to play for their home countries.

'Ikale Tahi head coach Toutai Kefu said the selection will make a huge difference to the quality of Tongan rugby.

Fekitoa played 24 tests for the All Blacks between 2014 and 2017 before losing his place in the squad, prompting him to join French club Toulon.

He later signed for English outfit Wasps in 2019. He will now join Munster on a two-year deal once he completes his duties for the Coventry-based club.

Now eligible to represent Tonga, where he was born and raised, Fekitoa was a member of the All Blacks’ squad that defended the Webb Ellis Cup at the World Cup in Britain in 2015.

 Family members and supporters of the Wasps rugby team held a bucket collection during the team’s match against Saracens last night, to support the appeal and managed to raise more than USD2k.

The bucket collection was led by team mate Jacob Umaga and his partner Elisha.

Fekitoa was amazed at the support he received from the public towards the appeal for his people in Tonga.

Fekitoa who is in the UK, posted on his official Twitter page, that he was grateful to all the support he has been receiving.

“Amazing to see so much support from you all, here in the UK and also the rugby community. I’m grateful for all your blessings, we’ve managed to raise over £45k in the last few days. This will make a huge difference.”

The 29-year-old received a major support from his current British rugby club ‘The Wasps’ towards the fundraiser.

Because communications have been severely disrupted, it has been difficult to determine the extent of the devastation. However, pleas for immediate assistance have been made, with food and clean drinking water at the top of the priority list.

Centre Malakai Fekitoa has launched the fundraiser and in support of his efforts, Wasps have vowed to to donate 20 per cent of all match ticket revenue from their upcoming Gallagher Premiership match vs Saracens on Sunday 30 January to the cause.

Yesterday, he posted on his Twitter page saying “Haven’t heard from my family in a couple days now. Hope everyone back home in Tonga are safe. Stay strong.”

Fiji-born Tongan rugby player, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa has urged everyone to continue praying for Tongans affected by the tsunami.

The Fiji Drua player shared an encouraging message via video.

This weekend it was revealed that Scarlets have penned a deal with loose forward Vaea Fifita, but RugbyPass understands that Fekiota has also now confirmed his departure and that Munster is still the likely destination.

Fekitoa’s exit from Wasps has long been on the table but his exact destination remained unclear. It now appears that contrary to some reports, the Irish province have won the battle for the 29-year-old.