COVENTRY Rugby fly-half Pat Pellegrini has been selected in the Tonga squad for the upcoming July internationals.
Pellegrini links up with a stacked 35-man Tonga squad as the Pacific Islanders prepare for this autumn’s Rugby World Cup with matches against Fiji and Japan.
Tonga currently sit 15th in the world rankings and overcame Uruguay in their last outing back in November last year.
Head coach Toutai Kefu has included former All Blacks Vaea Fifita, Augustine Pulu, Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa and George Moala in the squad
They join uncapped trio Adam Coleman, Pita Ahki and Kyren Taumoefolau along with former Wallabies Lopeti Timani and Israel Folua.
Tonga will name their final 33-man squad for the World Cup in France on or before September 1 and have never progressed beyond the pool stage in eight attempts.
Furthermore, the island nation will play in Pool B against defending champions South Africa, the world’s number one test side Ireland, Scotland and Romania.
Tonga’s Squad for the July internationals
Forwards: Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Feao Fotuaika, David Lolohea, Paula Ngauamo, Siua Maile, Samiuela Moli, Sosefo Sakalia, Ben Tameifuna, Tau Koloamatangi, Sosefo Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Samiuela Lousi, Halaleva Fifita, Sitiveni Mafi, Vaea Fifita, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Solomone Funaki, Sione Vailanu, Lopeti Timani, Sione Havili Talitui
Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Augustine Pulu, Manu Paea, William Havili, Otumaka Mausia, Patrick Pellegrini, Pita Ahki, Malakai Fekitoa, Afusipa Taumoepeau, George Moala, Fine Inisi, Israel Folau, Solomone Kata, Charles Piutau, Kyren Taumoefolau
