Taione named in Tonga PNC squad

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs hooker Elvis Taione has been named in Tonga's squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup.

Taione, who joined the Devon club from Championship side Jersey at the start of last season, featured 15 times in all competitions for the Chiefs last season, scoring tries against Leicester Tigers in the LV= Cup semi-final and Gloucester in the European Challenge Cup semi-final.

The 32-year-old forward is joined in the squad by former Chiefs winger Fetu'u Vainikolo, who next season will be plying his trade in the French Top 14 with Oyonnax.

Tonga kick-off their Pacific Nations Cup campaign on Saturday, July 18 at the ANZ Stadium in Suva against Fiji at 3pm. They will then face Canada on Friday, July 24 at the Swangard Stadium in Burnaby before tackling the USA in Round 3 on Wednesday, July 29 at the BMO Field in Toronto.

Other experienced names included in the Tonga squad for the tournament include former Northampton prop Soane Tonga'uiha, London Irish forward Halani 'Aulika and Leicester Tigers newcomer, Opeti Fonua.

Forwards: Tevita Mailau, Sona Taumalolo, Soane Tonga'uiha, Siua Halanukonuka, Halani 'Aulika, Sila Puafisi, Elvis Taione, Kalafi Pongi, Sosefo Sakalia, Tukulua Lokotui, Uili Kolo'ofa'i, Joseph Tu’ineau, Steve Mafi, Hale T Pole, Viliami Fihaki, Nili Latu, Opeti Fonua, Viliami Ma’afu

Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Taniela Moa, Sosefo Ma’ake, Latiume Fosita, Kurt Morath, Martin Naufahu, Sione Piukala, 'Alipate Fatafehi, Siale Piutau, 'Otulea Katoa, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Telusa Veainu, Vungakoto Lilo