Folau in Tonga squad

Controversial former Wallaby Israel Folau, ex-All Blacks Malakai Fekitoa and Salesi (Charles) Piutau have all been named in Tonga’s national rugby squad for the first time. The former internationals have bolstered the Ikale Tahi side thanks to a recent change in World Rugby’s eligibility rules. Folau had his Rugby Australia contract terminated in 2019 over a series of homophobic social media posts but has previously expressed his desire to represent Tonga. Fekitoa played 24 tests for the All Blacks from 2014-2017 before switching to the northern hemisphere to play for Toulon, then Wasps and now Munster. Piutau played 17 tests for the All Blacks before turning his back on New Zealand rugby at just 23.

Steven Alker’s rich vein of form on the seniors tour shows no sign of ending as the Kiwi carded a seven-under-par opening round to claim a share of the lead at the Senior PGA Championship in Michigan yesterday. Hamiltonborn Alker made six birdies and an eagle on the 10th to fire himself to the top of the leaderboard alongside American Bob Estes. A bogey on the 17th was the only blemish on an otherwise flawless round. It continues a remarkable run for the New Zealander this year on the PGA Tour Champions, which includes top three finishes in the past four tournaments and two victories. Alker wasn’t the only Kiwi making strides – Ryan Fox was five shots behind home favourite Joost Luiten after an encouraging opening round at the Dutch Open. Fox was among a large group on two-under-par at the European Tour event after a shooting a round of 70.