The Pacific Island Nation of Tonga is an anomaly in producing some of the best international rugby stars in the world. The Kingdom has one of the smallest populations on the planet, with just over 100,000 people living across the country’s 171 islands.
Following World Rugby’s new eligibility laws, internationally capped rugby players can represent a new nation, after a three year ‘stand-down’ period. These players of course have to have ancestorial ties to the country, or undergo the necessary residential time to qualify for the national sides.
Here is the Ultimate XV for Tonga, that could feasibly take to the field and represent the ‘Sea Eagles’ at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Back Three
15. Charles Piutau – Former All Black, Joins Tonga for 2023 RWC
14. Israel Falou – Former Australia, Joins Tonga for 2023 RWC
11. Solomone Kata – Tonga and New Zealand Capped
Centres
13. Ngani Laumape – All Blacks
12. Malakai Fekitoa – Former All Black, Joins Tonga for 2023 RWC