Sona bolsters Tonga squad

Former Super Rugby-winning Chiefs prop Sona Taumalolo has been included in a 35-man Tonga squad for their tour to Europe.

Taumalolo, who ended the Super Rugby season joint-second on the top try-scorers list with nine five-pointers, joined French club Perpignan after the Chiefs’ triumphant campaign and bolsters Tonga’s front row stocks for what will be a testing end-of-year tour.

The European excursion will see the Tongans play Italy in Brescia on November 10, Newcastle in Kingston Park on November 13, the United States in North Wales on November 17 and Scotland in Aberdeen on November 24.

Tonga squad:

Forwards: Sona Taumalolo, Saoane Tonga'uha, Alani'Aulika, Tevita Mailau, Taufa'ao Filise, Elevisi Taione, Ilaisa Ma'asi, Aleki Lutui, S. Sakalia, Joe Tu'ineau, Joshua Afu, Sione Timani, Tukulua Lokotui, Samisoni Fifita Masima, Hale Ta Pole, Sitiveni Mafi, Nili Latu, Sione Vaiomo'unga, Paula Kaho, Viliami Ma'afu, Uamano Fono.

Backs: Taniela Moa, Samisoni Fisilau, Fangatapu 'Apikotoa, Adney Mosese Uasila'a, Sione Piukala, Sukanaivalu Hufanga, Hudson Tonga'uiha, Viliami Helu, Viliami 'Iongi, Mateo Malupo, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Vunga Koto Lilo, Sitaleki Lu'au, 'Apakuki Ma'afu.