Just a few weeks earlier, he was hidden away, performing in a Premiership Rugby Cup campaign. Then came the emergency call from France – could he get over to Croissy-sur-Seine ASAP? He did.
A 14-man Tonga side secured a 28-3 rugby victory over Canada, despite losing George Moala to a red card for a dangerous tackle.
Japan have made six changes as they look to bounce back from last weekend’s home loss to Samoa with this Saturday’s clash against Tonga.
Josua Tuisova will line up in the midfield opposite former All Black Malakai Fekitoa for one of many mouthwatering matchups.
Tonga boss Toutai Kefu has named a star-studded 35-man squad for his team’s July fixtures in the run-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, a selection that includes former Wallabies lock Adam Coleman.
Tonga will be without star internationals Israel Folau, Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau for their World Cup playoff against Hong Kong on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday.
Tonga's all-star trio have all been excluded by the 'Ikale Tahi for the second match running as the Pacific Nations Cup comes to an end.
Tonga have made eight changes to their starting line-up to play Samoa this weekend following last week’s disappointing 36-0 loss to Fiji in Suva in the Pacific Nations Cup.
Today was supposed to mark Nasi Manu's return to rugby after he was named to captain the ‘Ikale Tahi against Samoa, however the affable loose forward will now have to wait at least one more week.
Nasi Manu will add another chapter to his remarkable recovery from testicular cancer after being named captain of Tonga in his first match back in test rugby against Samoa this weekend.