Tonga net a giant Wallaby

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Former Wallabies second-rower Adam Coleman has become the latest player to switch allegiances to Tonga in a 35-man squad for the World Cup warm-up Tests.

Coleman was one of two new players to be included 35-player squad for the upcoming Test matches against Japan, Samoa and Fiji.

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The 2,05m, 122kg lock played in 35 Tests for the Wallabies between 2016 and 2019, before moving to English Premiership side London Irish.

Coleman, 31, was able to switch nations due to his late father, Pau’u Afeaki, who captained Tonga in the 1980’s.

He has become the latest Australian to switch allegiances to Tonga, joining former teammates Israel Folau and Lopeti Timani in the squad.

Tonga also included former New Zealand Sevens star Pita Ahki in their squad. The 30-year-old centre has represented both New Zealand and Tonga at U20 level and played for the Blues and Hurricanes before moving to Toulouse, where he has made over 100 appearances.

Malakai Fekitoa, Ben Tameifuna, George Moala and Vaea Fifita are among the other former New Zealand internationals in the squad.

Tonga are in Pool B at the World Cup, alongside defending champions South Africa, World number one Ireland, Scotland and Romania.

Photo: Rugby.com.au

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