Tonga have a proud history at the Rugby World Cup, having appeared at all but one of the six tournaments to date.
Their first World Cup victory came in 1995 when they beat the Ivory Coast 29-11, while they beat Italy 28-25 in 1999.
At the 2007 World Cup in France they beat the United States and Samboa while they narrowly lost 30-25 to the eventual champions South Africa, and at the last World Cup in 2011 they pulled off a shock 19-14 victory against France.
The ‘Sea Eagles’ or ‘Ikale Tahi as they are known, finished third at the Pacific Nations Cup last month after beating Japan 31-20 in the bronze medal match. In their earlier group matches they beat the United States 33-19 and Canada 28-22, but lost 30-22 to Fiji.
The Tonga squad mostly consists of professionals who play in England and France, while a few play in New Zealand and Australia.
They have an experienced World Cup squad which includes 12 survivors from their famous 2011 victory against France, and which is led by flanker Niili Latu who plays for English Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.
Some of their star players include flyhalf Leone Nakarawa, who also plays for the Falcons and was the joint-top try scorer at the Pacific Nations Cup along with team mate and explosive winger Fetu’u Vainikolo, and a rising star in Rebels centre Telusa Veainu.
Tonga’s Word Cup squad:
Forwards: Tevita Mailau, Alisona Taumalolo, Soane Tonga ‘uiha, Halani Aulika, Sila Puafisi, Elvis Taione, Paula Ngauamo, Aleki Lutui, Tukulua Lokotui, Joseph Tu ‘ineau, Steve Mafi, Opeti Fonua, Hale T. Pole, Nili Latu, Jack Ram, Viliami Ma ‘afu, Sione Kalamafoni.
Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Samisoni Fisilau, Sosefo ‘Oliveto Ma ‘ake, Kurt Morath, Latiume Fosita, Sione Piukala, Siale Piutau, Viliami Tahitu ‘a, Fetu ‘u Vainikolo, Telusa Veainu, Tevita Halaifonua, William Helu, Vungakoto Lilo.
Coach: Mana ‘Otai
World ranking: 11
Tonga will compete in Group C against New Zealand, Argentina, Georgia and Namibia.
Recent results:
Aug 28: Nottingham 14 Tonga 69, Nottingham
Aug 3: Tonga 31 Japan 20, Burnaby
July 29: USA 19 Tonga 33, Toronto
July 24: Canada 18 Tonga 28, Burnaby
July 18: Fiji 30 Tonga 22, Suva
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