Fukofuka in Tongan squad for November

San Francisco Rush standout Bill Fukofuka has been selected to the Tongan national side for their November test series. Now returned to the Southland Stags in the Mitre 10 Cup, the 21-year-old loose forward is one of 10 uncapped players named in the 30-strong group by head coach Toutai Kefu. Fukofuka is the only PRO Rugby representative named, with San Francisco teammate Pila Iongi and San Diego’s Kurt Morath both among the notable absentees.

Roughly half of the squad return from the 2015 World Cup, among them new captain Siale Piutau and Castres lock Steve Mafi. A handful of Aviva Premiership players have been selected, including Leicester speedster Telusa Veainu and new Northampton signing Nafi Tuitavake. Worcester wing Cooper Vuna is set to win his first Tongan caps having previously represented Australia in two test matches. Vuna and Tuitavake, a former New Zealand 7s rep, changed their eligibility using the Olympic 7s loophole, opting to play for the country of their birth during the Olympic qualification tournaments.

A number of players with Super Rugby experience are included, with former Chiefs tighthead Ben Tameifuna set to commit to the Ikale Tahi having previously dropped out of the squad on two occasions. Among the missing are injured flankers Nili Latu and Sione Kalamafoni and Gloucester outside back Tevita Halaifonua, with several older players overlooked and likely now out of international contention.

Tonga will open their schedule against Spain at the National Stadium in Madrid, and will stay in-country to face the US Eagles at the neutral venue of Stade d’Anoeta in San Sebastián. Their tour comes to a close in Padova where they play Italy on November 26.

FORWARDS
Siua Halanukonuka (Tasman Makos / Highlanders, NZ), Tevita Mailau (Perpignan, FR), Sila Puafisi (Glasgow Warriors, UK), Ben Tameifuna (Racing 92, FR), Sona Taumalolo (Grenoble, FR), Sione Lea (Taranaki Bulls, NZ), Paul Ngauamo (Mont-de-Marsan, FR), Elvis Taione (Exeter Chiefs, UK), Steve Mafi (Castres, FR), Vainanuma Manu (Marist Apifo’ou), Harrison Mataele (Grammar TEC, NZ), Joe Tu’ineau (Dax, FR), Daniel Faleafa (Albi, FR), Bill Fukofuka (Southland Stags, NZ), Tevita Koloamatangi (Tasman Makos / Chiefs, NZ), Sione Lolohea (Silapelu’ua), Valentino Mapapalangi (Manawatu Turbos, NZ), Jack Ram (Northland Taniwha / Blues, NZ)

BACKS
Sosefo Ma’ake (Havelu Bulldogs), Tomasi Palu (Wellington Lions, NZ), Tane Takulua (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Latiume Fosita (Auckland, NZ), Kali Hala (Counties Manukau, NZ), Siale Piutau (Yamaha Jubilo, JP), Tevita Taufu’i (Waikato, NZ), Nafi Tuitavake (Northampton Saints, UK), Fetuli Paea (Silapelu’ua), Fetu’u Vainikolo (Oyonnax, FR), Cooper Vuna (Worcester Warriors, UK), Telusa Veainu (Leicester Tigers, UK)

FIXTURES
Nov 12 – 16:00 local, 10:00 ET – vs Spain – Estadio Nacional Complutense, Madrid
Nov 19 – 19:00 local, 13:00 ET – vs USA – Stade d’Anoeta, San Sebastián
Nov 26 – 15:00 local, 09:00 ET – vs Italy – Stadio Euganeo, Padova