North Otago wing Pila Fifita has been called in to the Tongan squad for the World Cup.
The North Otago Rugby Union was notified at the weekend by Tongan coach Jim Love that Fifita had been added to the squad after Aisea Havili withdrew because of a leg injury.
The Oamaru freezing worker has been a regular on the North Otago wing since 2000 and has played two years for the New Zealand Divisional XV. Fifita left yesterday for Rotorua, where he will train with the Tongan squad this week before heading to the islands and then on to Australia for the World Cup, starting next month.
North Otago chief executive Ian Patterson said Fifita's selection was exciting for the second division province.
"We are absolutely thrilled for Pila. He has had a very strong couple of seasons and it's great for him to get this reward.
"He's a major part of our team and we will miss him, but we have got other good options on the wing and it presents an opportunity for those guys to step up."
Four years ago, another North Otago player, Fepikou Tatafu, represented Tonga at the World Cup.
He marked Jonah Lomu when Tonga played the All Blacks.
- NZPA
Tonga call up North Otago wing
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