Tonga, First Nations and Pasifika squads named for inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy

By Everest Hala Tonga’s President’s XV and the First Nations & Pasifika XV have named their squads for the inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy to be held at Teufaiva Stadium, this Friday 4 September 2026. The international match will bring together locally based Tongan players and a side featuring First Nations and Pasifika players from across Australian rugby. The Tonga President’s XV provides an opportunity for local Tongan players to represent their country in front of a home crowd, with coach Benhur Kivalu saying the match would help identify talent ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. “This is a very special opportunity for Tonga and everyone involved in the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy,” Kivalu said. “It gives us a chance to have a look at some of our local-based players, see how they perform against quality opposition and identify the potential that is here in Tonga.” Tonga President’s XV The squad combines established domestic players with emerging talent, including players coming through Tonga’s under-20 system. Captain Vutulongo Puloka said representing Tonga in front of family and friends would be a significant moment for the players. “Normally, the Ikale Tahi is the team our fans see representing Tonga, so for the local boys to have the opportunity to run out and represent the country in front of our families, friends and supporters is something really special,” Puloka said. He said the match would also give younger players a chance to see a pathway from domestic rugby to representative competition. The fixture is also intended to promote cultural exchange between Tonga and Australia. Puloka said the visiting players would be welcomed to Tonga and given an opportunity to experience the country’s culture and traditions. “It is really important for us to exchange cultures and learn from each other,” he said. “We are excited to show what Tonga is all about, especially our Anga’ofa, our friendly and loving way of life.” Tonga's President XV Team list: Samiuela Kana Vao malanga he Mo’unga Tuaimeiapi Maama He-Lotu Tonga ‘Apitanga He Lotu Lelei Lavemaau Jr William Phythagoras Helu Peni Latu Tafea Netaleni Taufateau Hingano Peau Tutu’ila ‘Unaloto Taulava Linley Latu Savieti Poasi Fahina Ika Fatani Nai Scott Lino Isao Itani Fononga Sione ‘Ofa Lata Penueli Tonga Lamipeti To’osavili Havea Lisiate ‘Ofa He lotu Manu Lolo Taione ‘Apolosi Fine Mosese Palaki Havea Filipe Junior Tongamoa Feleti Fonua Nafetalai ‘Inoke Mafile’o Finau Lemisio Moala Sione Tausinga Taufateau 'Atonio Patua Kulitapa Heneli Taliai Leroy Arlington Fusitoutai ‘a Vale’iaatu ki ‘Utulangivaka Bloomfield Leonaitasi Feke Penisimani Manfred Pifeleti Staff: Daniel Judah Benhur Kivalu (head coach), Fili Sau (assistant coach), Viliami Pasuka Mapakaitolo (assistant coach), Filokalafi Welding ‘Akau’ola (team manager). First Nations & Pasifika The First Nations & Pasifika XV features players of First Nations, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian and Māori heritage and builds on the side’s historic appearance against the British & Irish Lions in 2025. Former Wallaby and NSW Waratahs great Wycliff Palu will coach the side, assisted by Eddie Aholehei and Christian Leali’ifano. Palu, who is of Tongan heritage, said the match was about more than rugby. “This is a special opportunity for these players to represent their communities, their cultures and the people who have helped them get to where they are today,” Palu said. “Taking this group to Tonga and being able to share in the culture, while also playing against a team of locally based Tongan players, makes this much more than just a rugby match.” Among the selections are brothers Chace and BJ Oates, who will represent their First Nations heritage together. BJ Oates said sharing the experience with his brother made the opportunity particularly meaningful. “It’s about representing where we come from, our family and our community, but also embracing the opportunity to learn from the Tongan players and experience their culture,” he said. ACT Brumbies prop Lington Leli will also bring his Fijian heritage to the touring squad. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent the First Nations & Pasifika XV and also represent my Fijian heritage,” Leli said. “Rugby is part of our Pacific culture, and it brings people from different backgrounds together.” The Kaume’a Ofi Trophy, meaning “Close Friends” in Tongan, is supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports initiative and is being delivered in collaboration between Tonga Rugby Union and Rugby Australia. The trophy aims to celebrate the relationship between Tonga and Australia and use rugby to strengthen cultural and community connections. First Nations & Pasifika team list Forwards Lington IelI (ACT Brumbies/Fijian) Berakah Tuifaasisina (Western Force/Samoan) Fred Kaihea (Manly Marlins/Tongan/Samoan) Remsy Lemisio (Tuggeranong Vikings/Samoan) Malakai Taulani (Manly Marlins/Tongan) John Grenfell (Queensland Reds/First Nations/Aboriginal) Oniti Finau (NSW Waratahs/Tongan) Tavita Loughland (ACT Brumbies/Samoan) Sau Vaihu (Hunter Wildfires/Tongan) Tau Tuisamoa (Easts (QLD)/Samoan) Taufa Kinikini (Hunter Wildfires/Tongan) Judah Saumaisue (ACT Brumbies/Fijian) Davea Teoteo (Manly Marlins/Tongan/Samoan) Teina Graham (Queensland Reds/Māori) Backs Moses Sorovi (Tuggeranong Vikings/First Nations/Torres Strait Islands/Fijian) Tamarangi Tunui (Western Force/Māori) Chace Oates (ACT Brumbies/First Nations/Aboriginal) Garlen Peace (GPS/First Nations/Aboriginal/Fijian) Denzel Veikune (Gungahlin Eagles/Tongan) Jarrah McLeod (ACT Brumbies/First Nations/Aboriginal) Triston Reilly (ACT Brumbies/First Nations/Aboriginal) Angus Tagicakibau (ACT Brumbies/Fijian) BJ Oates (Easts (QLD)/First Nations/Aboriginal) Gage Phillips (Randwick/First Nations/Aboriginal) Staff: Wycliff Palu (head coach), Eddie Aholehei (assistant coach), Christian Leali’ifano (assistant coach), Matt Sonter (team manager).