Tonga Rugby Union

Fexco has had operations in the Pacific and an office in Tonga for more than a decade, providing foreign currency exchange and international payment services to governments, non-profits, businesses, and individuals.

Head coach Toutai Kefu named only 32 players originally.

Fifita rejoins the squad after having played for the 'Ikale Tahi during the July Test series against Fiji, Japan and Samoa.

He will also rejoin brother and former All Black Vaea Fifita in the squad.

Toutai Kefu has built an impressive roster filled with World Cup experience in a quest to advance past the group stages for the first time.

They find themselves in a brutal group, although have the quality to match it with the best on their day.

How they qualified

Qualified as ‘Asia/Pacific 1’ after defeating Hong Kong 44-22 in the Asia/Pacific Playoff

Recent form

Tonga have built gradually into this year’s World Cup as they integrate a plethora of new talent.

2022 finished perfectly for the side with wins over Spain, Chile and Uruguay.

Tongan head coach Toutai Kefu says he has a fair idea of who he will take to France but has to see some players whose fitness is fifty-fifty at the moment.

The two matches against Canada, on Thursday and Tuesday, will be the last opportunity for players to impress.

The Tonga Rugby Union expects to announce the 33-member squad for the World Cup next Wednesday.

He reached the landmark against Japan in Osaka last Saturday.

Takulua is also the third highest points-scorer for Tonga with 254 points, behind Kurt Morath with 340 points and Pierre Hola who notched 322 points during his career.

The veteran halfback will lead Tonga again on Saturday against Manu Samoa at Apia Park.

Head Coach Simon Raiwalui is impressed with the Ikale Tahi after beating Australia A in Nukualofa last week.

The Tongans have the advantage having a game under their belt while Raiwalui will work things around before selecting his final 33 member squad for the Rugby World Cup in France.

Raiwalui said Tonga has a good squad.

“Yeah they played really well, look really well organized so it will be a tough match.”

The national coach is also thankful to have Fijian Drua star Joseva Tamani in camp.

The Tonga Rugby Union has posted up the tickets prices on their official Facebook page.

General Admission will cost $15.00.

Students turning up in their school uniform can purchase their ticket at $5.00 each.

TRU also confirmed that “Grand Stand - $30 pre-Game Sale and $40 at gate. VIP - $100.00.”

TRU said “The purpose of this game is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1973 'Ikale Tahi team that beat the Wallabies in Brisbane 16-11 and will play an integral part of our team's preparation for France.”

TRU said “The team will return to its traditional home colour of red and white, and will feature the kupesi tokelaufeletoa within the fabric. For centuries, Tonga's ngatu motif designs and its art of tapa-making have illustrated, carried and upheld their way of life. A tribute to Tonga's 'angafakatonga' (the Tongan way).”

This kit will be worn by the 'Ikale Tahi team for the first time in the matches this September.

Tonga will be playing Ireland in their first game of the rugby world cup on September 17 before they take on South Africa on October 2.

This meeting is part of the TRU centennial’s celebration that kick started last week Saturday.

TRU said after the AGM, a ball will be held tonight to to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1973 'Ikale Tahi team that defeated the Wallabies.

“On Friday, 14 July the 'Ikale Tahi will then play Australia A, at the Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium. A farewell dinner will be held later that night.”

Meanwhile, the 'Ikale Tahi will play two home test matches against Canada on 10-15 August, the first matches that Tonga will host on home soil, since 2017.

The Tonga Rugby Union said the matches will be building up the side towards the 2023 qualification matches for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The two test matches will be the first matches that Tonga has hosted on home soil since 2017.

These also serve as Tonga’s final warm-up matches for France.

Prior to the two matches, Tonga will be playing against Australia A on July 14 at the Teufaiva Stadium.

The two home test matches against Canada will also be held at the same venue on 10th and 15th August.