Nine ACT Brumbies will line up for the First Nations & Pasifika XV on Friday, with Triston Reilly handed the captaincy for the inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy clash against Tonga President’s XV at Teufaiva Stadium.
Reilly - one of three players in the squad to have previously represented the invitational team - will lead a strong outfit, that includes Brumbies Lington Ieli, Tavita Loughland, Judah Saumaisue, Moses Sorovi, Chace Oates, Jarrah McLeod, Angus Tagicakibau and Denzel Veikune.
The historic clash in Tonga will see the First Nations & Pasifika XV build on the side’s landmark 2025 appearance against the British & Irish Lions, bringing together players of First Nations, Pasifika and Māori heritage to represent their heritage and communities on the international stage.
The week in Tonga has provided an opportunity for the playing group to strengthen the deep rugby and cultural connections between Australia and Tonga, while connecting with communities across Nuku’alofa.
The squad has taken the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy into schools across the city, meeting the next generation of rugby players and sharing the excitement ahead of Friday’s historic clash.
The trophy tour concluded at the Australian High Commission in Tonga, where Rugby Australia President Kristy Giteau, First Nations Ambassador Justin Mohamed and Australian High Commissioner Brek Batley were joined by Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Viliami Uasike Lātū and members of the Tonga President’s XV.
Supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports initiative and through 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.
First Nations & Pasifika XV v Tonga President’s XV
- Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Tonga
- Friday 4 September
- 12.00pm AEST / 3.00pm local
The inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy clash will be streamed live on Stan Sport.
