TONGA’S national rugby team has set up camp in Auckland ahead of the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC).
Head coach Tevita Tuifua said the camp has brought players together for the first time.
Former All Black Salesi Piutau and France-based Ben Tameifuna are two of the senior players in the squad who are in camp.
“We have some players in camp while there are others who are tied up with club commitments at the moment,” Tuifua said.
“We hope that we can get everyone together before the PNC starts.”
Tonga’s Ikale Tahi will meet the Queensland Reds in Nuku’alofa on August 15 in their only warm-up game before they host Manu Samoa on August 23.
Tonga and Samoa will be fighting to secure spots at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with the PNC doubling as a World Cup qualifier this year.
Fiji and Japan have qualified, leaving Samoa and Tonga to battle against Canada and USA for three remaining Oceania spots.