Reilly to captain First Nations & Pasifika XV in inaugural Kaume'a Ofi Trophy clash with Tonga

Triston Reilly will captain the First Nations & Pasifika XV in a landmark fixture against a Tonga President’s XV at Teufaiva Stadium, with the match serving as the inaugural contest for the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy — a name meaning ‘Close friends’ in Tongan.

Reilly, who has switched from the NSW Waratahs to the ACT Brumbies ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby AUS campaign, has been named at outside centre and will partner Brumbies teammate Jarrah McLeod in the midfield. The backline utility scored a try for the FNP side against the British & Irish Lions 14 months ago in a hard-fought defeat at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, and the concept has continued to grow since — most recently fielding a team at the Hong Kong 10s in April.

Former Wallabies backrower Wycliffe Palu has taken charge as head coach for this fixture, overseeing a squad assembled from players with First Nations, Pasifika and Māori heritage. BJ Oates starts at fullback behind wings Gage Phillips and Angus Tagicakibau, while Moses Sorovi and Chace Oates form the half-back pairing. Brumbies prop Lington Leli starts at loosehead alongside hooker John Grenfell and tighthead Remsey Lemisio, with Tavita Loughland and Sau Vaihu locking the scrum. Tau Tuisamoa, Davea Teoteo and Judah Saumaisue complete the loose forwards.

“This is a really special group of players, and we’ve got a powerful mix of First Nations, Pasifika and Māori heritage, experience and talent within this team,” Palu said. “What makes it even more meaningful is the opportunity to bring those cultures together here in Tonga and represent our communities on the international stage. We’ve received an incredible welcome since arriving, and the connection we’ve felt with the people, the schools and the rugby community has been really powerful.”

Palu added that the squad intends to channel that warmth directly into their performance. “On Friday, we want to take that energy onto the field, play with pride and passion, and put in a performance that reflects the strength of this group and the significance of the occasion.”

The match represents a significant step in the ongoing development of the FNP concept as a platform for players from indigenous and Pacific Island backgrounds to compete on the international stage.