Cornish Pirates

Squad News
November 7th 2007

With the excitement of the recent Rugby World Cup now but a memory, the Cornish Pirates are delighted to announce that one of Tonga's rugby heroes has signed for the club.

Vunga Lilo played at full-back in all four of Tonga's World Cup games, a tournament ended with heads held high. Tonga beat the USA and South Pacific rivals Samoa, and gave eventual champions South Africa the fright of their lives before going down 30-25.

Another brave performance in a 36-20 loss to England again proved that they could compete with the best, no surprise then, that the squad of rugby heroes were treated like rock stars on their return home.

24-years-old Vunga, who has also played at centre and on the wing, made his international debut earlier this year in a repechage match against Korea that confirmed Tonga's place in the World Cup. In total he has represented his country on sevens occasions, scoring four tries and a penalty.

Commenting on playing in the World Cup, Vunga, who was married in July, said: : ''It was a real honour to play in rugby's biggest event, where I really wanted to do the best for my country - as I do now for the Cornish Pirates.''

Jim McKay, head coach at the Cornish Pirates, commented: ''Vunga is a utility back who will give us various options and increase the competition for places. He had a memorable World Cup experience playing for Tonga, us now delighted to welcome him to Cornwall.''

Links
MSN Sport
Vungakoto Lilo at fullback is a potential star in the making.
Scrum of the Earth
One to watch: Vungakoto Lilo