Vailanu selected in Tonga squad for Rugby World Cup

• 21 Aug 2023

Glasgow Warriors back-rower Sione Vailanu will be heading to France next month, after being named in the Tonga squad that will represent their country at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

It will be a second appearance on rugby’s biggest stage for the 28-year-old, having run out for the Ikale Tahi at the 2019 tournament in Japan.

Vailanu gets the nod after an outstanding debut campaign at Scotstoun, scoring six tries in 20 appearances for Franco Smith’s men during the 2022/23 season.

A stunning 60 metre solo effort against Benetton on his first home outing for the club immediately endeared Vailanu to the Warrior Nation, with the back-rower earning a nomination for the 2022/23 McCrea Financial Services Player of the Season award as a result of his performances.

Tonga will compete in Pool B, which will see Vailanu and his team-mates line up against a Scotland squad containing 14 of his fellow Warriors when the action gets underway in France in just three weeks’ time.