Pa'atua National Rugby Union Team

The Pa’atuan rugby team was assembled so that the tiny nation of Pa'atua could participate in an international sporting competition for the first time.

There is no official rugby federation in Pa’atua; instead, sporting matters are dealt with by the government. The team is self-coached, with player Fereti Fuimaono acting as de facto main coach.

Pa’atua’s participation in the Rugby World Cup was enabled by funding from Alfegan sponsors.

The team’s main jersey is blue. Their alternate jersey is yellow. The players are all male and, with the sole exception of Jonathan Sailor, all indigenous (Polynesian) Pa'atuans.

The Pa’atuans perform the cihivau, a ritual dance and chant destined to intimidate opponents, at the beginning of each match.

Current team

The following players will represent Pa’atua at World Cup 8.

FORWARDS
1. Pita SOLOFA (Loosehead Prop)
2. Ieti VAKATAU (Hooker)
3. Kitiona MOLESI (Tighthead Prop)
4. Ito ATUELEVAU (Lock)
5. Teariki TISAM (Lock)
6. Miitamariki PAREANGA (Openside Flanker)
7. Sakaria FAAISUASO (Blindside Flanker)
8. Voa UMUTAUA (Number 8)

BACKS
9. Fereti FUIMAONO (Scrum-Half)
10. Tama MOLESI (Fly-Half)
11. Temarii PAREANGA (Left Winger)
12. Raimoana GELIMA (Inside Centre)
13. Jonathan SAILOR (Outside Centre)
14. Voa TOROHIA (Right Winger)
15. Naea TAHUTINI (Full Back)

Replacements:
16. Kamaliele PALU
17. Ilalio ATUELEVAU
18. Malakai TUIFANGALOKA
19. Semisi HUIHAHAU
20. Sione LEAKONA
21. Kaisani MOLESI
22. Kitiona FAKAVA

Team mascot

The team’s mascot is Mike, a blue crab indigenous to Pa’atua. He travels with the team, and is well cared for and generally fussed by the players.

Mike, the Pa’atuan team mascot