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Grenoble winger Daniel Kilioni has joined the Tonga squad at the Rugby World Cup in Japan. He arrives as a replacement for the injured Nafi Tu’itavake. It’s the second change the Ikali Tahi have been forced to make during the tournament, the first seeing Kurt Morath ruled out and Latiume Fosita called up.
Tasman outside back Fetuli Paea had originally been targeted to fill the gap according to Tonga assistant coach Pita Alatini, but instead it’s Kilioni who joins as specialist wing cover. With Viliami Lolohea also nursing a knee problems the arrival of Kilioni is timely.
Tu’itavake broke his arm at the end of Tonga’s opening match against England. Telusa Veainu returned against Argentina, and Kilioni will now be available for Tonga’s remaining pool matches against France and the USA. The 26-year-old has won 4 test caps, the most recent against Georgia in November 2018.
