Cancer survivor Nasi Manu has been named in Tonga’s 31-man squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup.
The 31-year-old forward is returning from his battle against testicular cancer, having missed the entire 2018/19 PRO 14 season for Benetton.
Speaking to Rugby World magazine Manu talked about how he feels better than ever having made his recovery after undergoing chemotherapy.
“I really feel like a new man now. I am happy to hurt. I’m training, doing cardio, and it feels good to get back to some normality. I think for a little bit, I took things for granted. Now I know how important it is I make the most of this opportunity. Going through cancer and chemo has been a great sort of awakening for what I really want and my rugby goals, my life goals. I sort of narrowed down what’s important to me,” he said.
Manu, who co-captained the Highlanders to the Super Rugby title in 2015 with All-Black Ben Smith, is looking forward to try and break into the World Cup squad
“It’s always been a dream to compete on the world stage, to play in a World Cup. The dream is still alive to maybe achieve that this year,” he added.
The forward left the Highlanders for the PRO 14 after winning the Super Rugby title, first to Edinburgh and then Benetton and will provide the Tongan team with some fire-power heading into the tournament.
Check Out the Full 31-Man Squad Below.
Forwards
Paea Fa’anunu (Castres), Siegfried
Fisi’ihoi (Stade Francais), Toma Taufa (Bayonne)*, Paul Ngauamo (Agen), Elvis
Taione (Exeter Chiefs), Sefo Sakalia (Asia Pacific Dragons), Ma’afu Fia
(Ospreys), Siua Halanukonuka (Glasgow Warriors), Ben Tameifuna (Racing 92),
Leva Fifita (Grenoble), Onehunga Havili (Exeter Chiefs), Sam Lousi
(Hurricanes)*, Steve Mafi (Castres), Zane Kapeli (Bay of Plenty), Fotu Lokotui
(Kagifa Samoa), Nasi Manu (Benetton Treviso), Sione Vailanu (Saracens), Ma’ama
Vaipulu (Castres).
Backs
Sami Fisilau (Auckland Marist), Leon Fukofuka (Kagifa Samoa), Tane Takulua (Newcastle Falcons), James Faiva (SilverStorm El Salvador)*, Latiume Fosita (Kagifa Samoa), Otumaka Mausia (Auckland)*, Siale Piutau (Bristol Bears), Nafi Tuitavake (Northampton Saints), Viliami Lolohea (Papatoetoe), Afa Pakalani (Eastwood), Cooper Vuna (Bath), Tevita Halaifonua (Coventry), Fetuli Paea (Tasman).
