6 May 2016

Sport: Kefu to coach Tonga rugby team

9:48 am on 6 May 2016

Toutai Kefu has been named Tonga's new rugby coach, giving him a mandate to rebuild the national side before the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Kaniva News reports the appointment has been confirmed by Rugby Union interim chairman, Fe'ao Vunipola.

Kefu's first task will be to select a new squad ahead of the Pacific Cup in Fiji and Samoa in June.

Toutai Kefu, playing for Australia in 2002.

Toutai Kefu, playing for Australia in 2002. Photo: Photosport

The former Wallaby and Queensland Reds star replaces Mana 'Otai.

The move comes after World Rugby suspended all financial support to the TRU in January, after the interim administration sacked a number of of staff, including the CEO, High Performance Manager, 'Ikale Tahi coach and sevens coach.

Talks between World Rugby, the union, and the Tongan government helped resolve the situation.

Former 'Ikale Tahi player Siua Taumalolo will be Kefu's assistant coach.

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