Former England youth international Manu Vunipola has officially switched international allegiance to Tonga after being named in their squad for this weekend's Nations Cup match against Romania.
The fly-half's selection on the bench confirms his decision to represent Tonga, with the Pacific Islanders looking to build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Vunipola is the cousin of former England internationals Billy and Mako Vunipola, who remain eligible to switch allegiance to Tonga but have yet to make a decision on their international futures.
Mako has previously revealed his hopes of joining Tonga's coaching staff for the 2027 World Cup, although he acknowledges he is unlikely to still be playing by the time the tournament comes around.
Billy, meanwhile, has expressed reservations about making the switch, insisting he does not want to take a squad place away from a younger Tongan player.
World Rugby's three-year stand-down rule means Billy could still change his international allegiance, but his comments suggest a move is unlikely at this stage.
Manu Vunipola is a fly-half who was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but raised in Somerset, England.
He is the son of former Tonga international Elisi Vunipola and nephew of former Tonga internationals Fe'ao and Manu Vunipola.
His father, Elisi, featured at the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups and was playing for Bay of Plenty on New Zealand's northern coast when Manu was born.
Vunipola came through the England age-grade system, representing the under-18s before making nine appearances for England under-20s.
He made his senior debut for Saracens in 2019 and became a regular contributor, scoring 17 points against both Ospreys and Sale Sharks in 2020.
The fly-half left Saracens to join Japan's Honda Heat in 2024.
He featured in eight matches at fly-half during last season's Japan Rugby League One campaign, although Honda Heat won just two of those fixtures.
Tonga face Romania in Bucharest tomorrow as they continue their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Pacific Islanders will be looking to improve on their summer campaign, which saw them beat Zimbabwe but suffer defeats against Spain and Portugal.
With the World Cup fast approaching, Tonga are hoping to build momentum and establish their squad ahead of next year's tournament.
They have been drawn alongside England, Wales and Zimbabwe, meaning Vunipola could face the country he represented at youth level.
His international switch provides Tonga with another option at fly-half as they look to make an impact on the biggest stage in 2027.
Tonga team vs Romania
1. Siegfried Fisiihoi
2. Siua Maile
3. Paula Latu
4. Veikoso Poloniati
5. Justin Mateale
6. Samuel Tuipulotu
7. Semisi Paea
8. Lotu Inisi
9. Siaosi Ngininingini
10. Patrick Pellegrini
11. Anzelo Tuitavuki
12. Fetuli Paea (Capt)
13. Fine Inisi
14. John Tapueluelu
15. Taniela Filimone
Replacements
16. Efitusi Ma'afu*
17. Toma Taufa
18. Phillip Kite
19. Halaleva Fifita
20. Otunuku Pauta
21. Sonatane Takulua
22. Manu Vunipola*
23. Malakai Fekitoa
*Potential debut
