6 Jul 2018

Sport: Tonga looks to maintain momentum with Super Rugby recruits

12:53 pm on 6 July 2018

Tonga is targeting at least four Super Rugby level players for their Northern tour which will include tests against Wales and Georgia.

Chiefs winger Toni Pulu is keen to play for Tonga.

Chiefs winger Toni Pulu is keen to play for Tonga. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Now that Tonga have beaten their Pacific rivals, Samoa and Fiji, their attention has turned to the November tour and coach Toutai Kefu said he will be looking at recruiting some new high profile talent including chiefs flyer, Toni Pulu.

"Toni Pulu is one of them. There are a couple of props overseas as well," Kefu said.

"Pauliasi Manu is still at the Blues, we would love him to come and join us.

"There's also [Osprey's] Ma'afu Fia who played down for the Highlanders, he is a prop that we have had our eye on.

"We are also looking at some halfback depth and we are also looking at Hosea Saumaki who plays wing for the Sunwolves," the former Wallaby said.

Kefu added that former Hurricanes prop Loni 'Uhila was also a likely addition.

Hosea Saumaki stars for Japan's Super Rugby team, the Sunwolves

Hosea Saumaki stars for Japan's Super Rugby team, the Sunwolves Photo: Photosport

He said he hoped success on the pitch would lead to success in recruiting.

"You know with us winning, it makes us a more attractive commodity for those types of players who are interested in coming to play for Tonga," he said.

Tonga is set to play Georgia and Wales on the tour but are also looking at other fixtures.

"There is one more test that we are trying to source out but that is the next port of call. My focus is now putting a squad together for that campaign and planning and getting prepared for that," Kefu said.

"Hopefully we can take some of the learnings we have taken out of June and keep that momentum going. We definitely want to keep that winning momentum moving into the World Cup next year."

Tonga coach Toutai Kefu

Tonga coach Toutai Kefu Photo: RNZI / Vinnie Wylie

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