Triston Reilly to captain First Nations & Pasifika XV in historic match

ACT Brumbies recruit Triston Reilly will captain the First Nations & Pasifika XV in a historic clash with a Tonga President’s XV at Teufaiva Stadium, which will be the inaugural contest for the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy (meaning ‘Close friends’ in Tongan).

Reilly scored a try for the FNP side against the British & Irish Lions 14 months ago, falling short of a win in a hard-fought match at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium. The FNP concept returned earlier this year, when a side was named to compete at the Hong Kong 10s in April.

The team is back again for a momentous match against a Tonga President’s XV, with the FNP assembling players with First Nations, Pasifika and Maori heritage. Former Wallabies backrower Wycliffe Palu has taken charge of the team as head coach.

Reilly, who has made the move from the NSW Waratahs to the Brums ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby AUS campaign, will lead the team out. The backline utility has been named at outside centre, joining Brumbies teammate Jarrah McLeod in the midfield.

Gage Phillips and Angus Tagicakibau will line up on the wings, with BJ Oates rounding out the back three as the first-choice fullback. Moses Sorovi will link up with Chance Oates in the halves, starting at scrum-half and fly-half respectively.

Brumbies prop Lington Leli has been named at loosehead, packing down alongside hooker John Grenfell and tighhead prop Remsey Lemisio. Tavita Loughland and Sau Vaihu complete the tight five as the locks.

Tau Tuisamoa and Davea Teoteo will start on the flanks, with Judah Saumaisue the other loose forward in the run-on side.  Garlen Peace and Denzel Veikune are among the backs set to provide cove off the bench.

“This is a really special group of players, and we’ve got a powerful mix of First Nations, Pasifika and M?ori heritage, experience and talent within this team,” Palu said.

“What makes it even more meaningful is the opportunity to bring those cultures together here in Tonga and represent our communities on the international stage. We’ve received an incredible welcome since arriving, and the connection we’ve felt with the people, the schools and the rugby community has been really powerful.

“On Friday, we want to take that energy onto the field, play with pride and passion, and put in a performance that reflects the strength of this group and the significance of the occasion.”

First Nations & Pasifika XV team

1. Lington Ieli (Fijian) 2. John Grenfell (First Nations/Aboriginal) 3. Remsy Lemisio (Samoan) 4. Tavita Loughland (Samoan) 5. Sau Vaihu (Tongan) 6. Tau Tuisamoa (Samoan) 7. Davea Teoteo (Tongan/Samoan) 8. Judah Saumaisue (Fijian) 9. Moses Sorovi (Torres Strait Islands/Fijian) 10. Chace Oates (First Nations/Aboriginal) 11. Gage Phillips (First Nations/Aboriginal) 12. Jarrah McLeod (First Nations/Aboriginal) 13. Triston Reilly (c) (First Nations/Aboriginal) 14. Angus Tagicakibau (Fijian) 15. BJ Oates (First Nations/Aboriginal) Substitutes 16. Oniti Finau (Tongan) 17. Berakah Tuifaasisina (Samoan) 18. Fred Kaihea (Tongan/Samoan) 19. Malakai Taulani (Tongan) 20. Taufa Kinikini (Tongan) 21. Teina Graham (M?ori) 22. Tamarangi Tunui (M?ori) 23. Garlen Peace (First Nations/Aboriginal/Fijian) 24. Denzel Veikune (Tongan)

Tonga President XV team

1. Isao Fononga 2.?Mosese Havea 3.?Unaloto Taulava 4.?Vutulongo Puloka (c) 5.?Apolosi Fine 6.?Mafile’o Finau 7.?Peau Hingano 8.?Sione ‘Ofa 9.?Feleti Inoke 10. Linley Savieti 11.?Filipe Tongamoa 12.?Leonaitasi Feke 13.?Netaleni Taufateau (vc) 14.?William Helu 15.?Maama-He-Lotu Tonga Substitutes 16.?Heneli Bloomfield 17.?Tausinga Taufateau 18.?Penisimani Pifeletis 19.?Peni Tafea 20.?Lamipeti Havea 21.?Lemisio Moala 22.?Samiuela Tuaimeapi 23.?Poasi Ika 24.?Mataiasi Oneone