Nili Latu

Nili Latu, playing name of Otenili Langilangi (born 19 February 1982) is a Tongan rugby union footballer. He currently plays for the NEC Green Rockets in the Japan Top League. He has also captained the Tonga national rugby side at international level, and has played for the Pacific Islanders on their tour to Great Britain and Ireland. His usual position is flanker.

Career

Latu started his rugby at Bay of Plenty in the Air New Zealand Cup. He made his debut for the Chiefs in 2005 in a match against the Sharks. He made his debut for Tonga on June 4, 2006 against Japan. He then played against Fiji, and in his third Test, skippered Tonga against the Junior All Blacks, and then against the Cook Islands. He was used as a replacement in the match against Samoa, and then captained the side against the second Test against the Cook Islands.

In late 2006 Latu was drafted into the Hurricanes squad as cover for All Black absentees Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo for the 2007 season. He played in the 2007 Rugby World Cup for Tonga where he was instrumental for their National Team. He also made a name for himself with his big tackles.

References

External links

• on chiefs.co.nz

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