Tongan team

Team Tu'uakitau came to New Zealand, hoping to score rugby contracts, when the coronavirus pandemic shut down the world and Tonga completely closed its border before they could get home.

"When we heard that Fiji, Samoa and Niue are taking their people home, and we feel our government should do the same," their coach Tuivaita Ueleni tells The Project. "We have the feeling we've been left behind." 

The team has stayed at Tokaikolo Church at the foot of Mangere Mountain during the pandemic and the local community has taken care of them, providing clothing and food.

The 29-test Kiwi made his comeback from a knee injury in the Warriors' reserve grade team on Sunday, scoring a try in the side's 14-20 loss to the Wyong Roos.

Vatuvei is a late call up for Tonga, replacing former Warrior Konrad Hurrell, for the match at Campbelltown Stadium in Leaumeah, New South Wales.

Vatuvei, who was born in Auckland, would be able to switch back to New Zealand for the World Cup later this year, but perhaps has a better chance of playing at the tournament in a red jersey, rather than a black and white one.