Tonga Samurai XV Announced to Take on Emerging Blossoms

The Japan Rugby Football Union is pleased to announce the Tonga Samurai XV team to take on the Emerging Blossoms in the Japan Rugby Charity Match 2022, this Saturday, June 11, at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo.  

Captained by Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay flanker, Sione Vatuvei, the team brings together a formidable combination of Tongan talent from across Japan Rugby League One. Loosehead prop, Isileli Nakajima, and utility back, Lomano Lemeki, two of the stars of the Brave Blossom’s Rugby World Cup 2019 team have been named in the starting lineup, while former Japan Sevens player, Larry Sulunga has been named at fullback.

Carrying on the rugby tradition of showcasing a new talent in invitational sides such as the Tonga Samurai XV, 21 year old college student, Sione Mau from the Osaka University of Health and Sports Sciences has been named on the bench as a front-row reserve.

Ahead of kick-off, the Tonga Samurai XV will perform a special Sipi Tau. This Sipi Tau, the Tongan pre-game challenge, has been created especially for this match and will be shown in public for the first time.

TEAM LIST

NoNameHeightWeightDOB
1Isileli NAKAJIMA1861201989/07/09
2Alfanesta MAHINA1671102000/10/28
3Sila PUAFISI1851351988/04/15
4Talau FAKATAVA1941181994/12/07
5Esei HAANGANA1981201999/04/21
6Viliami AFU KAIPOULI1891151997/09/28
7Sione VATUVEI1901051983/03/14
8Lui NAEATA1931191994/02/02
9Shinnosuke TAFOKITAU OKA173731994/06/11
10Lomano Lava LEMEKI178961989/01/20
11Michael TOLOKE1831011990/05/15
12Mifiposeti PAEA1801091987/07/06
13Taumoepeau SILIVENUSI184991985/07/31
14Kruger LATU188881995/10/10
15Larry SULUNGA1831021998/10/22
16Sione HALASILI1801201999/10/15
17Sione MAU1791082002/04/10
18Lata TANGIMANA1831181998/01/23
19Asipeli MOALA1851151998/06/28
20Tevita TUPOU1851041991/09/26
21Keitaro HITORA166721998/12/11
22Richie HAVILI178931988/04/16
23Tonisio VAIHU1771081991/02/12
24Manoa LATU181951998/02/22
25Liekina KAUFUSI182991998/01/24

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