SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs)

[Stargazer]

@Stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):

Some MP players have played themselves into the squad. Also some old names.

2 July 2022 (Suva): Fiji v Tonga
9 July 2022 (Lautoka): Samoa v Tonga
16 July 2022 (Lautoka): Tonga v Australia A
23 July 2022: RWC qualifier

Tonga Rugby Union
Congratulations to Crusaders flanker, Sione Havili who has just been added to the Ikale Tahi squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup and WC Qualifier match.

[Nepia]

@Stargazer Do you know when Coleman becomes available for Tonga? I read an article earlier this year that said he was switching but I can't find it again.

[Stargazer]

@Nepia Adam Coleman played his last test for the Wallabies on 19 October 2019 during the RWC (just like Leali'ifano). So he'll be eligible for Tonga from 19 October 2022.

[Bovidae]

I hadn't realised that Cheika has David Kidwell on his coaching staff. Defence I assume.

[Dice]

Surprised to see Tana back coaching with Samoa. Looks like they convinced him back.

Andrew Goodman is also in there.

Tom Coventry with the forwards.

[Nogusta]

A few more players who have (officially) aligned with Samoa

Tala Gray
Fritz Lee
Lima Sopoaga
Matthew Duffie

[ARHS]

@Nogusta wow - backline strengthening now. Be interesting to see Tala Grey after so long overseas too.

Do you know if Faumu'uina or Abraham Papalii have signed too, or will soon? They played v Spain alongside A Tuala, Lee-Lo, Nanai-Williams and Tekori last weekend. Wondered why none were back for Pacific Nations.

[Bovidae]

Is that another Matthew Duffie, as I thought he (the former AB) had retired?

[ACT Crusader]

@Bovidae said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):

Is that another Matthew Duffie, as I thought he (the former AB) had retired?

And was working for the Storm in a behind the scenes role.

@Nogusta usually has the good oil, but I must say I’m surprised by this given the announcement earlier this year about retirement

[Mr Fish]

@Nogusta said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):

A few more players who have (officially) aligned with Samoa

Tala Gray
Fritz Lee
Lima Sopoaga
Matthew Duffie

Matt Duffie had aligned with Samoa but subsequently changed his mind and has retired from the game.

The others have indicated to Samoa they're available for selection for November.

[Dice]

Tumua Manu now with Manu Samoa. Wasn't named in the original squad.

[Stargazer]

Awesome story in this twitter thread (for those that don't know twitter, click on the twitter logo to read it):

[nostrildamus]

@Stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):

Awesome story in this twitter thread (for those that don't know twitter, click on the twitter logo to read it):

Thank you for the link, brilliant.

[Tim]

https://i.imgur.com/H0TqtnH.jpg

Luatua

[Stargazer]

@Tim Another country hopper is Jeff Toomaga-Allen.

[Bovidae]

Brian Alainu'uese is a player I had high hopes for. With him and Seu they will have plenty of height at lock.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Tim Sadly Pat Lam reports that Luatua is injured and won't be able to play for Samoa on their northern tour.

[Crucial]

Surprised to not see Sam Slade in that squad.

[ARHS]

Weird squad. A lot of guys recruited mid year have now been dropped. Are players required to pay for flights north?

[Bovidae]

@Crucial said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):

Surprised to not see Sam Slade in that squad.

Seems likely to be added with Luatua injured. Mapusua seems to have wanted all those former ABs in the team ASAP.