SVNS, Super Rugby Pacific stars headline First Nations & Pasifika XV squad

Unveiled all the way in early August, the First Nations & Pasifika XV has sent an imposing squad to Tonga to take on the Tonga President’s XV in the inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy clash in Nuku’alofa this Friday.

Supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports initiative in close collaboration between Tonga Rugby Union and Rugby Australia, the two sides named their squads together ahead of the historic clash.

Similar to the First Nations & Pasifika XV’s clash against the British & Irish Lions last year, the lead up set to see a sharing of knowledge between the multiple cultures –  reflected in the the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy, meaning “Close Friends” in Tongan.

The First Nations & Pasifika program has continued to grow following that inaugural clash in Melbourne last year, which saw the side famously nearly defeat the Lions, eventually going down 24-19.

The side took the field earlier this year, sending an outfit to the Hong Kong 10s and impressing against established 10s outfits, winning the Plate title to finish third overall.

Now, coached by former Wallaby and NSW Waratahs great Wycliff Palu, the side is set for it’s second XVs clash in Tonga, featuring players with Tongan, Samoan, Fijian and Maori backgrounds alongside First Nations representation.

Among the names included are multiple academy players and Australia U20s stars, as well as Super Rugby players Moses Sorovi, Oniti Finau, Lington Ieli and recent Brumbies signing Triston Reilly, the latter two players having featured in that 2025 side.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent the First Nations & Pasifika XV and also represent my Fijian heritage,” Ieli said.

“I’m looking forward to experiencing Tonga, meeting the local players and being part of the cultural exchange. Rugby is part of our Pacific culture, and it brings people from different backgrounds together, and this tour is the perfect example of that.”

Several sevens stars are also set to be included, most notably Jarrah McLeod, who also featured in the 2025 side, while brothers Chace and BJ Oates have also been named, joining their brother Kye as representatives after he played for the side last year.

“To be selected in this team and have Chace there with me makes it even more meaningful,” BJ Oates said.

“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.”

Eddie Aholelei and Christian Leali’ifano will serve as assistants for Palu, with representation even extending to the match officials, with Northern Territory and First Nations referee Julius Appo included.

“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.

“We have a diverse group coming together, and that is what makes this team so exciting. There is a lot of talent in the squad, but just as importantly, there is a great opportunity for the players to learn from each other and build connections through this experience.

“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.

“We want the players to embrace the opportunity, play with pride and represent the First Nations, Pasifika and M?ori communities that are such an important part of the rugby landscape.”

The match also serves as a valuable opportunity for the Tongans, who welcomed the First Nations & Pasifika XV side with a Kava ceremony earlier today.

Comprised of established local talent and emerging players from Tonga’s domestic rugby system, Tonga President’s XV head coach Benhur Kivalu believes the fixture serves as a valuable opportunity to test that talent against a quality side.

“This is a very special opportunity for Tonga and everyone involved in the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy,” Kivalu, himself a former Tongan international, said.

“With the Rugby World Cup next year, 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.

“We have a lot of talent in our local rugby community, and opportunities like this are important for giving those players exposure and allowing them to show what they can do in a representative environment.”

The cultural exchange between the two sides off the field is as of equal importance as the game on the field, with the side’s captain, Vutulongo Puloka, determined to dive headfirst into the concept.

“Normally, the Ikale Tahi [national side] 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.

“For the young boys, especially those coming through the Under 20s, this is a great opportunity to see that local players can represent Tonga.

“It is an opportunity that does not come around often, so they need to grab it with both hands and live up to the standard.

“It is really important for us to exchange cultures and learn from each other. We are excited to show what Tonga is all about, especially our Anga’ofa — our friendly and loving way of life.”

The sides will face off at the Teufaiva Sport Stadium on Friday 4 September at 12:00 pm AEST/3:00 pm local GMT+13 time.

FIRST NATIONS & PASIFIKA XV SQUAD TO FACE TONGAN PRESIDENT’S XV

Lington Ieli (Fijian), Berakah Tuifaasisina (Samoan), Fred Kaihea (Tongan/Samoan), Remsy Lemisio (Samoan), Malakai Taulani (Tongan), John Grenfell (First Nations/Aboriginal), Oniti Finau (Tongan), Tavita Loughland (Samoan), Sau Vaihu (Tongan), Tau Tuisamoa (Samoan), Taufa Kinikini (Tongan), Judah Saumaisue (Fijian), Davea Teoteo (Tongan/Samoan), Teina Graham (M?ori), Moses Sorovi (First Nations/Torres Strait Islands/Fijian), Tamarangi Tunui (M?ori), Chace Oates (First Nations/Aboriginal), Garlen Peace (First Nations/Aboriginal/Fijian), Denzel Veikune (Tongan), Jarrah McLeod (First Nations/Aboriginal), Triston Reilly (First Nations/Aboriginal), Angus Tagicakibau (Fijian), BJ Oates (First Nations/Aboriginal), Gage Phillips (First Nations/Aboriginal).

TONGA PRESIDENT’S XV SQUAD TO FACE FIRST NATIONS & PASIFIKA XV 

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.