Western Force quintet Kurtley Beale, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marley Pearce and Darcy Swain have been named in the First Nations & Pasifika XV squad.
The First Nations & Pasifika XV team will take on the British & Irish Lions in next Tuesday’s clash at Marvel Stadium in Naarm, Melbourne (kick-off 5:45pm AWST).
The fixture will be a historic occasion for rugby, with First Nations and Pasifika cultures celebrated via one of sport’s most famous tours, inspiring and uniting communities across Australia, the Pacific and the world.
Force prop Pearce has Maori and First Nations heritage, while Beale is a Darug man with Kamilaroi ancestry. Paenga-Amosa has Samoan and Maori heritage. Swain has Samoan heritage and Fines-Leleiwasa has Fijian heritage.
Head coach Toutai Kefu is relishing the opportunity of leading this remarkable team against the Lions, having been involved as an ambassador with the AUNZ XV last week.
“It’s incredibly exciting to unveil the players that are set to be involved in this unique team,” Kefu said.
“There is a nice blend of youth and experience within the group, with countries and territories represented across the Pacific and Indigenous Australia. The players are aware at how big an opportunity this is to perform for their communities and grow the game of rugby.
“We have seen how strong the Lions are in recent weeks. The coaching staff and all the players will be working as hard as possible to prepare for this match and try to pull off something special in Melbourne.”
With Beale, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Seru Uru and Andy Muirhead recently confirmed as the original five squad members for the First Nations & Pasifika XV, they will be joined by 22 other players.
The group is made up of 20 players of Pasifika heritage and seven of First Nations heritage.
Four players who turned out for the AUNZ team on Saturday at Adelaide Oval will back up in Melbourne in Paenga-Amosa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Pete Samu and Kalani Thomas.
The First Nations & Pasifika XV squad will assemble in Melbourne on Tuesday.
FIRST NATIONS & PASIFIKA XV SQUAD
Forwards
George Blake, Mesake Doge, Feao Fotuaika, Lington Ieli, Marley Pearce, Richie Asiata, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Darcy Swain, Mesake Vocevoce, Seru Uru, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Pete Samu, Tuaina Taii Tualima
Backs
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Harrison Goddard, Kalani Thomas, Kurtley Beale, Jack Debreczeni, David Feliuai, Lalakai Foketi, Isaac Henry, Jarrah McLeod, Andy Muirhead, Kye Oates, Triston Reilly
Head Coach: Toutai Kefu (Tongan)
Assistant Coaches: Fa’alogo Tana Umaga (Samoan), Simon Raiwalui (Fijian), Glen Ella (First Nations - Yuin and Bidjigal)
Assistant: Sekope Kepu (Tongan)
