Tonga Lea'aetoa

Tonga Lea'aetoa born 4 March, 1977 in Auckland, New Zealand is a rugby union player for London Irish in the Guinness Premiership.

Tonga Lea'aetoa's position of choice is as a Prop.

Tonga Lea'aetoa arrived in England in July 2006 with a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile prop forwards in Europe. He is one of those rare individuals that can play effectively on either side of the front row.

The Tongan international was a relative latecomer to rugby union only taking up the sport 14 years ago in New Zealand. Although he was born in Auckland in 1977 ' his parents came from Tonga, he spent his childhood in Australia in the Manly suburbs of Sydney.

It was when he returned to New Zealand to attend boarding school at the famous Auckland Grammar that rugby union took over his sporting career at the age of 16. He started out as a centre, then played at full back and as a No 8 before ending up as a prop. The unusual shift of position is explained by a dramatic change in his metabolism that saw him put on 20 kilogrammes between the ages of 17 and 18!

His skill and versatility have earned him 20 caps for his country to date. He was an ever present for London Irish last season, the only player to play in all 31 games, a feat that saw him receive the club's 'Players' Player of the Season Award'.

External links

* [http://www.london-irish.com/Team/1st_XV/Tonga_Lea'aetoa.html London Irish profile]