SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs)

[Stargazer]

World Rugby media release about the Pacific Nations Cup:

worldrugby.org

Pacific Nations Cup returns in July for its 15th edition | World Rugby

The World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup 2022 is returning after a three-year absence and will feature four teams from the Pacific region in Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Australia A.

[Stargazer]

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

[Stargazer]

By the way, I hope that Tau Koloamatangi has official clearance from World Rugby to play for Tonga, as he has played for Hong Kong in Nov/December 2019 (so the 3-year stand-down period for changing Nations has not been completed, yet). That is only possible if World Rugby has officially stated that Koloamatangi wasn't eligible to play for Hong Kong, when he did.

Tonga has to play a RWC qualfier in July and, obviously, fielding an ineligible player would have terrible consequences, as Spain has again experienced, recently.

[Dice]

@Stargazer I was going to ask where Charles Piutau was, but figured out that he was Salesi Piutau.

Not a bad team. On paper, that backline looks pretty lethal. I'm skeptical if they'll actually be that good on attack though, because there aren't many noted passers in the backline.

Now I'm interested to see who Samoa select.

[Bovidae]

Vaea Fifita's last test for the ABs was July 2019 so I assume he becomes eligible this year. Big brother is in the squad.

[Grooter]

William Havili playing Test rugby how good! 🙂

[Stargazer]

So who have swapped nations as a result of the November 2021 eligibility rule change?
Augustine Pulu, Charles Piutau and Israel Folau?
Malakai Fekitoa was already eligible via the Olympic loophole, but hasn't played XVs for Tonga, yet.

[ARHS]

Can only see 3 props????

[Stargazer]

@ARHS They've listed 3 LH and 3 TH props separately.

[ARHS]

@Stargazer Who are the tight-heads? Not listed in what I can view

[Stargazer]

@ARHS Look to the right of the hookers ...

[ARHS]

@Stargazer my browser blocks viewing and the online article was retracted. Kepu? Pole? Tameifuna?

[Stargazer]

@ARHS Siate Tokolahi, Ben Tameifuna and Sosefo (Joe) 'Apikotoa.

Kepu isn't eligible yet. Pole is a LH prop.

[ARHS]

@Stargazer Thanks

[Bovidae]

I wonder if Sefo Kautai was considered? Maybe he is ineligible by playing for the Brumbies.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae Playing for the Brumbies can't make him ineligible under WR rules, if he qualifies via the (grand)parent rule. Only playing for another country can. Is he of Tongan heritage?

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer NZ-born but I am sure he is. Sosefo Siulangapo Vito Kautai

I was thinking more from RA's perspective, and whatever clauses are in the contract Kautai signed with them to play for an Aust team. Similar to NZR's SR contracts unless you are given an exemption.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae Was asking about the heritage, because I also know of a player with the same last name who has played for the Cook Islands, so I wasn't sure.

[Higgins]

@Stargazer Think that was someone with a name like Gideon Kautai who plays for Hastings RSC and was in that Cooks team that played a few games in NZ last season.

[Stargazer]

@Higgins You totally got it!