New Scarlets signing Sam Lousi has been named in the Tonga squad for the 2019 Pacific Nations Cup.
The second row missed the majority of the Hurricanes’ Super Rugby season because of a pectoral muscle injury, but he has recovered in time for the tournament, which kicks off on July 27 with a clash against Kieron Fonotia’s Samoa in Apia.
Lousi, who is named in the Tonga squad for the first time, will link up with the Scarlets for the 2019-20 season.
Tonga are in the same pool as England, France, Argentina and USA at the Rugby World Cup.
Tonga squad
Forwards
Paea Fa’anunu (Castres, FR), Siegfried Fisi’ihoi (Stade Francais, FR), Toma Taufa (Bayonne, FR), Paul Ngauamo (Agen, FR), Elvis Taione (Exeter Chiefs, UK), Sefo Sakalia (Asia Pacific Dragons, SG), Ma’afu Fia (Ospreys, UK), Siua Halanukonuka (Glasgow Warriors, UK), Ben Tameifuna (Racing 92), Leva Fifita (Grenoble, FR), Onehunga Havili (Exeter Chiefs, UK), Sam Lousi (Hurricanes, NZ), Steve Mafi (Castres, FR), Zane Kapeli (Bay of Plenty, NZ), Fotu Lokotui (Kagifa Samoa, WS), Nasi Manu (Benetton Treviso, IT), Sione Vailanu (Saracens, UK), Ma’ama Vaipulu (Castres, FR)
Backs
Sami Fisilau (Auckland Marist, NZ), Leon Fukofuka (Kagifa Samoa, WS), Tane Takulua (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Otumaka Mausia (Auckland, NZ), Siale Piutau (Bristol Bears, UK), Nafi Tuitavake (Northampton Saints, UK), Viliami Lolohea (Papatoetoe, NZ), Afa Pakalani (Eastwood, AU), Cooper Vuna (Bath, UK), Tevita Halaifonua (Coventry, UK), Fetuli Paea (Tasman, NZ)