Tonga have confirmed a place in their Rugby World Cup squad for Leicester Tigers' new signing Opeti Fonua, while clubmate Vereniki Goneva has been named vice-captain of Fiji.Head coach Mana Otai has named 30 players in his Tonga squad, including back-rower Fonua, with one place still open.
The Tonga squad was announced by national union president Epi Taione –a veteran of two Rugby World Cups in 1999 and 2007 – and also includes former Tigers favourite Steve Mafi.
They are already in England for a training camp and face Nottingham on August 28 and Romania in Bucharest on September 5 as part of their preparations.
Tonga are in a Pool C with New Zealand, Argentina, Georgia and Namibia.
Tonga squad: Tevita Mailau, Alisona Taumalolo, Soane Tonga’uiha, Halani Aulika, Sila Puafisi, Elvis Taione, Paula Ngauamo, Aleki Lutui, Tukulua Lokotui, Joseph Tuineau, Steve Mafi, Opeti Fonua, Hale T-Pole, Nili Latu, Jack Ram, Viliami Ma’afu, Sione Kalamafoni, Sonatane Takulua, Samisoni Fisilau, Sosefo Ma’ake, Kurt Morath, Latiume Fosita, Sione Piukala, Siale Piutau, Viliame Tahitu’a, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Telusa Veainu, Tevita Halaifonua, William Helu, Vungakoto Lilo.
Goneva, top try-scorer for Tigers in each of the last two seasons, has been confirmed as vice-captain in a Fiji squad led by former Gloucester flanker Akapusi Qera.
Tigers centre Seremaia Bai is a non-travelling reserve.
“I am very pleased to announce a very strong and experienced team to represent Fiji,” coach John McKee said.
“After the successful Pacific Nations Cup campaign and training camp in Fiji the squad is working well towards the challenges ahead.
Fiji provide England first opponents in the tournament’s opening match on Friday, September 18.
Fiji squad: Lee Roy Atalifo, Isei Colati, Campese Ma’afu, Peni Ravai, Manasa Saulo, Sunia Koto, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Viliame Veikoso, Tevita Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Nemia Soqeta, Sakiusa Masi Matadigo, Akapusi Qera (c), Malakai Ravulo, Netani Talei, Dom Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato, Nemia Kenatale, Nikola Matawalu, Henry Seniloli, Lepani Botia, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Joshua Matavesi, Ben Volavola, Vereniki Goneva, Kini Murimurivalu, Nemani Nadolo, Waisea Nayacalevu, Metuisela Talebula, Asaeli Tikoirotuma.
Reserves: Joeli Veitayaki, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Jale Sassen, Savenaca Tabakanalagi, Seremaia Bai, Napolioni Nalaga, Timoci Nagusa
