Three-test loose forward Nasi Manu has completed a remarkable comeback from testicular cancer to be named in Tonga's 31-man World Cup squad.
Much is expected from Fiji at the World Cup in Japan and they gave their morale a boost with a derby win over Tonga, their Pacific Island neighbours, at Eden Park.
Coach Toutai Kefu has revamped his Tongan side to take on Japan in the second round of the Pacific Nations Cup, which sees the return of regular captain Siale Piutau.
Tongan players have taken to social media to voice their frustration surrounding the decision to allow their Pacific Nations Cup opener against Samoa to go ahead in atrocious conditions at Apia Park on Saturday.
Despite leading for much of the match, Tonga failed to secure Pacific Nations Cup victory away from home in awful conditions against a spirited Samoa side.
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.
Returning cancer survivor Nasi Manu headlines Toutai Kefu's 31-man Tonga squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup.