Toutai Kefu

'Ikale Tahi coach Toutai Kefu has named a squad which is notable for a handful of newcomers, including former Hurricanes lock Sam Lousi, and the return of 30 year old Manu.

Manu played three tests for Tonga before missing the entire season for Italian club Bennetton Treviso to undergo chemotherapy and testicular cancer surgery.

The match on Saturday is the 'Ikale Tahi's first in their World Cup build up which will culminate with a test against New Zealand in September.

This has been confirmed to Kaniva News by Tonga Rugby Union interim chairman, Fe’ao Vunipola.

Kefu will need to select a new squad from local and international players ahead of his first challenge, the Pacific Cup in Fiji and Samoa in June.

Former ‘Ikale Tahi player Siua Taumalolo was elected as assistant coach.

We undertand the selection of Kefu was confirmed in a Tonga Rugby Union meeting last  evening.

It is understood TRU and Kefu are in the final stage of their negotiation before signing the contract.

In 2011 Kefu was Tonga’s assistant coach in preparation for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Kefu is Tongan and he has won 60 caps playing at number eight for the Australian rugby union side.