FORMER WALLABY ISRAEL Folau has not been included in Tonga’s 32-man squad for the Rugby World Cup in France after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury.
The 34-year-old Folau, who has made just one appearance for Tonga since switching his international allegiances under World Rugby’s new eligibility rules last year, has been ruled out of the tournament along with outside back Telusa Veainu.
Tongan-born ex-Wallaby forward Lopeti Timani has also missed out on selection.
Head coach Toutai Kefu has named 32 players in his squad, leaving one space free for an additional call-up closer to the tournament.
Ireland’s pool opponents have included outside back George Moala, who recently received a five-week ban — reduced from 10 — for a dangerous tackle on Canada’s Ben LeSage.
Also included is former Wallaby Adam Coleman, the 31-year-old lock who is a first cousin of former Tonga captain Pau’u Lolohea-Afeaki. Coleman, who earned 38 caps for Australia between 2016 and 2019, is yet to represent Tonga at test level but has recovered from injury to book his seat on the plane to France.
Tonga will face Ireland in their opening match of the World Cup in Nantes on Saturday 16 September.
Tonga Rugby World Cup squad (32/33 players)
Forwards: Sosefo ‘Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Sione Havili Talitui, Vaea Fifita, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Fe’ao Fotuaika, Solomone Funaki, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Tau Koloamatangi, Paula Latu, Sam Lousi, Steve Mafi, Siua Maile, Samiuela Moli, Paula Ngauamo, Semisi Paea, Ben Tameifuna, Sione Vailanu
Backs: Pita Ahki, Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala, William Havili, Fine Inisi, Solomone Kata, Otumaka Mausia, Manu Paea, Salesi Piutau, Augustine Pulu, Sonatane Takulua, Kyren Taumoefolau, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Anzelo Tuitavuki
Just what I’ve come to expect really. It reeks of desperation when you’re trying to sign 12 year olds
There are serious problems with Liverpools transfer policy for a long time now. It’s like the defence no matter who they get in it can’t be sorted.
Regarding the communication before signing and incentives offered this is something done by all the big clubs, ya just have to look at Utd and when they first signed pogba, Chelsea and Gael kakuta, even think Everton got in bother before but why not pay school fees? I would’ve thought that schools fees were standard for all academy players at club like Liverpool
@El Johno: Premier league brought in a new rule last summer so Liverpool had to remove school fees from the deal as it was not signed b4 new rule. Parents complained about this but the ban is for bringing them to a first team game.
FSG out please I don’t care about them saving us from bankruptcy they care more about their American baseballers and clearly have enough money to pay fcking school fees! Liverpool are not a club that wants to make player profits they are a club that wants to make Champions league profits
@Ollie Watson: very difficult Ollie when they struggle to invest in the team
@Ollie Watson: paying school fees is against premier league rules since last summer. The article should have highlighted this.
Mickey Mouse really. Huge deal made out of nothing. Happens all the time.
That’s very amateurish
That’s a shame, the young lad could of slotted in in place of Lovren. Improve the defense