Tonga include Nasi Manu in Pacific Nations Cup squad

Tonga have named back-row Nasi Manu in the 31-man squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup that will kick-off later this month.

Manu last played for Tonga during the June series in 2018 but missed the entire 2018/19 season for his club Benetton Treviso after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Nevertheless, the 31-year-old has recovered and is now set to make a comeback after successfully undergoing a medical check up last month.

The squad also has newcomers Toma Taufa, Otumaka Mausia and James Faiva while Sam Lousi has recovered from a pectoral injury to make a comeback.

Tonga will kick-start their Pacific Nations Cup with a clash against Samoa on 27th July in Apia.

Tonga squad

Forwards: Paea Fa’anunu (Castres), Siegfried Fisi’ihoi (Stade Francais), Toma Taufa (Bayonne), Paul Ngauamo (Agen), Elvis Taione (Exeter Chiefs), Sefo Sakalia (Asia Pacific Dragons), Ma’afu Fia (Ospreys), Siua Halanukonuka (Glasgow Warriors), Ben Tameifuna (Racing 92), Leva Fifita (Grenoble), Onehunga Havili (Exeter Chiefs), Sam Lousi (Hurricanes), Steve Mafi (Castres), Zane Kapeli (Bay of Plenty), Fotu Lokotui (Kagifa Samoa), Nasi Manu (Benetton Rugby), Sione Vailanu (Saracens), Ma’ama Vaipulu (Castres)

Backs: Sami Fisilau (Auckland Marist), Leon Fukofuka (Kagifa Samoa), Tane Takulua (Newcastle Falcons), Otumaka Mausia (Auckland), Siale Piutau (Bristol Bears), Nafi Tuitavake (Northampton Saints), Viliami Lolohea (Papatoetoe), Afa Pakalani (Eastwood), Cooper Vuna (Bath Rugby), Tevita Halaifonua (Coventry), Fetuli Paea (Tasman)