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
