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Dan Faleafa’s latest rugby adventure will be in the USA. The 30-year-old Tongan international is set to join Austin Elite for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. He is slated to start on the blindside flank for the Ikale Tahi against Japan in the second round of the Pacific Nations Cup this weekend.
Originally from Auckland, Faleafa won a World Junior Championship with New Zealand in 2009, starting at lock in the final victory over England. After being overlooked for a Super Rugby contract with the Blues he opted to play for Tonga at senior level, making his test debut against the USA in June 2013.
Brief stints with Southern Districts and Randwick in Sydney’s Shute Shield competition followed before Faleafa opted for France. Three years with Albi in Pro D2 was followed by one season with Colomiers. This past year he suited up for Coventry in the RFU Championship.
Faleafa was won 19 caps to date for the Ikale Tahi and is now attempting to reach his first Rugby World Cup. Capable of playing lock, flanker, or No8, he appears to be a direct replacement for departed Canadian international Josh Larsen who has made the switch to the New England Free Jacks.
