Vaea Fifita to represent Tonga in 2022

The Tonga Rugby Union have announced that former All Black Vaea Fifita is now eligible for Tonga.

Fifita earned 11 test caps for the All Blacks between 2017 and 2019 with the last coming against South Africa in Wellington in July 2019.

The change in World Rugby eligibility laws allows Fifita to switch to Tonga under the new Birthright Transfer, which states:

8.6 A Player who has represented one Union (as set out in Regulation 8.2 to 8.4) may apply to represent a new Union provided that:

(i) the Player meets the eligibility criteria set out in Regulation 8.1(a) or 8.1(b) in relation to the new Union; and
(ii) at least three years have passed since the Player last represented their former Union; and
(iii) the approval of World Rugby is obtained.

Tonga have confirmed that World Rugby has approved Fifita's transfer, with the forward having been born in Vava'u, Tonga.

He will have to wait until 27 July to make his debut meaning that he will miss Tonga's last Pacific Nations Cup clash against Australia A as well as their Rugby World Cup qualifier against Hong Kong on 23 July.

Fifita could feature for Tonga during the November internationals. He also trades clubs ahead of the 2022/23 season as he makes the move from the Wasps in the Premiership having signed for Welsh outfit the Scarlets.