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Some of Major League Rugby’s elite big men will feature for the Asia Pacific Dragons at the inaugural World Tens Series event in Bermuda. Originally set for a Saturday start, the tournament will now begin on Sunday with the finals booked for November 7.
US Eagles pair Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz and Thretton Palamo will provide plenty of ball carrying power, with Old Glory teammate and Fiji test lock Api Naikatini also included. Austin Gilgronis giant Maikeli Naromaitoga also gets the call with now ex-Austin loose forward Lino Saunitoga a third Fijian named.
The Gilgronis also provide flyhalf Kurt Morath, one of two Tongan World Cup selects along with Nafi Tuitavake. There is further international presence in Georgia’s Alex Khutsishvili and long-time Samoa 7s star Tomasi Alosio. New Zealand Māori prop Chris Eves and Seattle Seawolves hooker Vili Toluta’u, also an Eagles cap, provide front row muscle.
There are two English Championship professionals included in London Scottish flanker Miles Wakeling and Ealing Trailfinders flyhalf or fullback Tommy Bell, the latter a former England u20 representative. South African scrumhalf Rowan Gouws boasts experience in the Currie Cup, Mitre 10 Cup, and Pro 14.
Where most teams have named a full squad of 20 players, the Dragons appear to be proceeding with only 18. They will be coached by former Wallaby and current Tonga head coach Toutai Kefu, aided by former Eagles center Andrew Suniula and England 7s strength coach Ben Lonergan.
FORWARDS
Chris Eves (Manawatu Turbos, NZ), Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz (Old Glory DC), Alex Khutsishvili (Georgia 7s), Api Naikatini (Old Glory DC), Maikeli Naromaitoga (Austin Gilgronis), Lino Saunitoga (Kalihi Raiders), Fa’afetai Te’o (OMBAC), Vili Toluta’u (Seattle Seawolves), Miles Wakeling (London Scottish, UK)
BACKS
Tomasi Alosio (Samoa 7s), Tommy Bell (Ealing Trailfinders, UK), Rowan Gouws (unattached), Kurt Morath (Austin Gilgronis), Thretton Palamo (Old Glory DC), Jamil Robinson (Brooklyn Kings), Hemaua Samisoni (North Otago, NZ), Elden Schoeman (UP Tuks, SA), Nafi Tuitavake (Bulls, SA)
