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Former Highlanders player Tevita Li says that he sees himself playing for Moana Pasifika in the future if it were to come in his way. Li who now plays for Suntory Sungoliaths in the Japan Rugby League One, praised Moana for their courageous efforts so far during a media session on Tuesday.
“It is a really good inclusion for them. Being that I am Tongan myself if there’s an opportunity one day to go back home and play for Moana Pasifika, I wouldn’t mind doing that.”
Li’s rugby career was first elevated when he represented New Zealand Secondary Schools and New Zealand Under 20’s. He made his Super Rugby debut in 2014 at 19 years old, appearing 30 times for them before he switched over to the Highlanders in 2017 where he bagged up 36 games. A total of 66 Super Rugby matches with 19 tries under his belt.
Known for his blitzing pace and footwork at the time, Li left for Japan in 2020 to join Suntory Sungoliaths and quickly made himself known in the Japan Rugby League One competition. Under the guidance of fellow New Zealander and Sungoliath coach Milton Haig, Li has drawn in 25 tries in 19 appearances for the Sungoliath jersey.
Despite the distance from home, Li still keeps updated with the Super Rugby Pacific fixtures. With the inclusion of Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua for this season, Li understands the importance they bring to not only the competition but to aspiring young players.
“It’s going to take a while for them to grow as a team and be successful, but the seeds is planted in the competition.”
“It’s good seeing the island communities support them and giving that motivation for the young kids coming through. They will know now that it’s not just the big teams you can play for, as you can also be with Moana Pasifika and Drua”
Li is also willing to give the Ikale Tahi Tonga jersey a go especially with the new eligibility rules in place.
“I’m pretty much Tongan. If I had the opportunity to I would give it a crack.”
“With these eligibility rules changing, its attracting a lot of players like myself to play for our home nations.”
