The First Nations & Pasifika XV have called on several Super Rugby Pacific stars for Friday's inaugural clash against Tonga President's XV at Teufaiva Stadium in Tonga.
Playing for the Kaume'a Ofi Trophy, head coach and NSW Waratahs great Wycliff Palu has named a squad filled with a mix of youth and experience for the clash.
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Supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports initiative and in close collaboration between Tonga Rugby Union and Rugby Australia, the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy — meaning “Close Friends” in Tongan — was established to celebrate the enduring relationship between Tonga and Australia and the role rugby can play in connecting communities.
New ACT Brumbies recruit Triston Reilly is one of three to feature for the FNP side against the British & Irish Lions in 2025.
Fellow Brumby and Australia A prop Lington Ieli has been named, alongside centre Jarrah McLeod.
The pair, alongside back-rower Judiah Saumaisue. featured under Stephen Larkham in 2025 and 2026, with McLeod also playing for Australia on the SVNS World Series in Perth.
Experienced Reds and Rebels scrumhalf Moses Sorovi is in the halves along with Chace Oates, who featured during FNP's stint at the Hong Kong 10s in April.
Meanwhile, Waratahs hooker Oniti Finau has been included in a strong front-row that includes Ieli and Australia U20 hooker John Grenfell.
Australia Sevens squad members Garlen Peace and Gage Phillips will add speed to the backline for the historic clash.
"This is a special opportunity for these players to represent their communities, their cultures and the people who have helped them get to where they are today," Palu said.
"We have a diverse group coming together, and that is what makes this team so exciting. There is a lot of talent in the squad, but just as importantly, there is a great opportunity for the players to learn from each other and build connections through this experience.
"Taking this group to Tonga and being able to share in the culture, while also playing against a team of locally based Tongan players, makes this much more than just a rugby match.
"We want the players to embrace the opportunity, play with pride and represent the First Nations, Pasifika and Māori communities that are such an important part of the rugby landscape.”
Northern Territory referee Julius Appo will bring his First Nations heritage to Tonga as one of the match officials in Friday's historic match.
FORWARDS
Lington IelI (ACT Brumbies/Fijian)
Berakah Tuifaasisina (Western Force/Samoan)
Fred Kaihea (Manly Marlins/Tongan/Samoan)
Remsy Lemisio (Tuggeranong Vikings/Samoan)
Malakai Taulani (Manly Marlins/Tongan)
John Grenfell (Queensland Reds/First Nations/Aboriginal)
Oniti Finau (NSW Waratahs/Tongan)
Tavita Loughland (ACT Brumbies/Samoan)
Sau Vaihu (Hunter Wildfires/Tongan)
Tau Tuisamoa (Easts (QLD)/Samoan)
Taufa Kinikini (Hunter Wildfires/Tongan)
Judah Saumaisue (ACT Brumbies/Fijian)
Davea Teoteo (Manly Marlins/Tongan/Samoan)
Teina Graham (Queensland Reds/Māori)
BACKS
Moses Sorovi (Tuggeranong Vikings/First Nations/Torres Strait Islands/Fijian)
Tamarangi Tunui (Western Force/Māori)
Chace Oates (ACT Brumbies/First Nations/Aboriginal)
Garlen Peace (GPS/First Nations/Aboriginal/Fijian)
Denzel Veikune (Gungahlin Eagles/Tongan)
Jarrah McLeod (ACT Brumbies/First Nations/Aboriginal)
Triston Reilly (ACT Brumbies/First Nations/Aboriginal)
Angus Tagicakibau (ACT Brumbies/Fijian)
BJ Oates (Easts (QLD)/First Nations/Aboriginal)
Gage Phillips (Randwick/First Nations/Aboriginal)
