Bristol Bears’ former All Black Charles Piutau has returned from the international wilderness as part of the newly-named Tonga squad to compete in July’s Pacific Nations Cup and World Cup qualifier.
The injury-prone Bristol full back joins former Wallabies stars Israel Folau and fellow former All Black Malakai Fekitoa in Toutai Kefu’s 31-man ‘Ikale Tahi squad following a change in World Rugby’s international eligibility laws.
As of the first of January, 2022, a player can represent a second country in Test rugby if they are qualified by birthright and have not played international rugby for three years.
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Piutau, who has previously spoken about his desire to play for Tonga having watched his older brother Siale previously captain the Pacific Island nation, earning 43 caps and playing at three World Cups before retiring from international rugby, earned the last of his 17 caps for the New Zealand All Blacks back in July 2015, before heading to the Northern hemisphere to cash in on his remarkable rugby abilities. As a result he is able to switch allegiances.
Piutau grew up in a big family of five brothers and five sisters in Auckland along with taxi driver father Manako and rest-home nurse mother Melenaite who are both from Tonga.
Melenaite is from Folaha on the main island and father Manako was born on the island of Vava'u, 180 miles from the country's capital Nuku'alofa.
Speaking back in December to the Daily Mail, Piutau said: “It’s always been a place close to my heart. My family were happy about the news [of the change in eligibility rules] and personally I’m happy that if I’m selected I can give back to Tonga.
“This change is a start. It’s not the only or the main thing, there are many others, but it’s a step towards being able to bridge the gap between the tier one nations.
“With the possible players that may be available, it’s them being able to share their experience and knowledge can add to what’s already there.
“If I can pull on the Tonga jersey it’ll definitely be a memory I’ll cherish. I’m happy not only for myself but for the possibilities of what it can do for Pacific nations.”
Tonga face Fiji (July 3), Samoa (July 10) and Australia A (July 17) in the Pacific Nations Cup, before a World Cup playoff match against either Hong Kong, South Korea or Malaysia on July 23.
The prize is a place at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France in Pool B alongside South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Romania up for grabs.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Piutau said: "Being able to turn over a Tier One nation would add to the World Cup, and would be great for fans watching too.
'I'm excited to test my abilities on that stage again. An opportunity to play at a World Cup is something all players would like to be a part of."
Piutau, 30, has one year left on his contract at Bristol Bears and is one of the club’s two marquee players whose high wages fall outside of the salary cap.
Full squad below....
Tonga Pacific Nations Cup and World Cup qualifier squad
Loosehead Props: Siegfried Fisiihoi, Tau Kolomatangi, David Lolohea
Hookers: Sam Moli, Siua Maile, Jay Fonokalafi
Tighthead Props: Siate Tokolahi, Ben Tameifuna, Joe ‘Apikotoa
Locks: Sam Lousi, Leva Fifita, Veikoso Poloniati
Loose Forwards: Tanginoa Halaifonua, Viliami Taulani, Lotu Inisi, Solomone Funaki, Sione Tu’ipulotu
Halfbacks: Sonatane Takulua, Augustine Pulu, Manu Paea
First-Fives: William Havili, James Faiva
Midfielders: Malakai Fekitoa, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Fetuli Paea, Fine Inisi
Outside Backs: Solomone Kata, Charles Piutau, Tima Fainga’anuku, Israel Folau, Anzelo Tuitavuki
