The Pacific Island Nation of Tonga is an anomaly in producing some of the best international rugby stars in the world. The Kingdom has one of the smallest populations on the planet, with just over 100,000 people living across the country's 171 islands.
Following World Rugby's new eligibility laws, internationally capped rugby players can represent a new nation, after a three year 'stand-down' period. These players of course have to have ancestorial ties to the country, or undergo the necessary residential time to qualify for the national sides.
Here is the Ultimate XV for Tonga, that could feasibly take to the field and represent the 'Sea Eagles' at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Back Three
Charles Piutau of Bristol Bears on the break during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Bristol Bears at Kingsholm Stadium on December 3 2021 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
15. Charles Piutau - Former All Black, Joins Tonga for 2023 RWC
14. Israel Falou - Former Australia, Joins Tonga for 2023 RWC
11. Solomone Kata - Tonga and New Zealand Capped
Centres
13. Ngani Laumape - All Blacks
12. Malakai Fekitoa - Former All Black, Joins Tonga for 2023 RWC
Half Backs
10. Richie Mo'unga - All Blacks
9. Augustine Pulu - New Zealand 7s Capped
Front Row
Mako Vunipola applauds in the direction of the supporters at full-time followinga the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
- Mako Vunipola - England
2. Tolu Latu - Australia
3. Sekope Kepu - Australia Capped / New Zealand U17s - U21s
Locks
Adam Coleman of London Irish during the Heineken Champions Cup match between London Irish and Montpellier at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 9 December 2022 (Photo: Danny Loo/PPAUK)
4. Adam Coleman - Australia
5. Uwe Helu - Japan
Back Row
Billy Vunipola of Saracens on the break during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Leicester Tigers and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium on 18 June 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
6. Shannon Frizell - All Blacks / Tonga U20s
7. Vaea Fifita - Former All Black, Joins Tonga for 2023 RWC
8. Billy Vunipola - England
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