Tongan Goose-step.
Campo about to step. photo Getty Images
Tonga power away. photo Zoomfiji
Tongan’s are known for the front on approach rather than the side step, Wallaby legend David Campese has agreed to help coach Tonga's national Sevens squad. This addition to their talent pool will certainly see a blend of power and finesse on the IRB circuit.
Australia's World Cup winner David Campese has agreed to help coach Tonga's national Sevens squad should they qualify for the Wellington, Hong Kong and Adelaide legs of the IRB Sevens World Series in 2010 as part of a new association with the country's rugby scene.
The Wallaby legend travels to the capital Nuku'alofa in October to launch the Campese Tonga Sevens event, the first leg of a new National Seven Series in the country to be played over the next three months.
The Player of the Tournament at RWC 1991 will conduct Sevens clinics during the Campese Tonga Sevens on 9-10 October.
Campese is no stranger to Sevens, having been a member of Australia's squad that finished runners-up to England at the inaugural Rugby World Cup Sevens in 1993 , before going on to win 101 caps and score 64 Test tries for the Wallabies.
He also helped to coach Australia's Sevens team on the World Series two years ago.
A new dawn. "It is a great honour to be part of Tonga rugby and l'm looking forward to being involved with the development of the game in Tonga," admitted Campese.
Tonga Rugby Football Union Chairman Sione Taumoepeau added: "A new dawn in Rugby Sevens has come to Tonga and the experience and reputation of David Campese in both fifteens and Sevens will help rebuild the Sevens game locally in Tonga.
"This is a long-term investment for Tonga and Campese's involvement will be a major boost for local rugby and rugby as a whole."
Given their limited exposure, Tonga regularly punch above their weight on the World Series. Two years ago they reached the Cup semi finals in Wellington and won the Plate in Adelaide, while in the most recent season they won the Plate in Hong Kong and reached the Plate semi final at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.
The Tonga National Sevens Series kicks off with Campese's event in October before further tournaments on 6-7 November, 20-21 November and 4-5 December before the 'Best of the Best' finals tournament on 18-19 December.
Source IRB.com