8 Mar 2016

Sport: Tonga backs locals for World Rugby Pacific Challenge

3:18 pm on 8 March 2016

Tonga are backing local players for their tilt at the World Rugby Pacific Challenge.

The tournament kicks off in Suva today with national 'A' teams from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Japan going head to head over two weeks.

Acting team manager Fiofaia Vakafiuola said they have had good preparation and were using the event as an opportunity to blood local players.

"We're working on trying to develop the talent back at home. We're working with all the local boys now - just one guy [in the 30 man squad] is from Australia but the rest of the squad is from back home in Tonga."

Fiofaia Vakafiuola said Tonga would love to win the competition and would do the best they could.

Tonga A take on the Japan Juniors first up today with Fiji Warriors taking on Samoa A.

The captains pose with the World Rugby Pacific Challenge Trophy.

The captains pose with the World Rugby Pacific Challenge Trophy. Photo: Fiji Rugby