Tonga Lea'aetoa (born 4 March 1977 in Auckland, New Zealand) is a New Zealand-Tongan rugby union player. He currently plays for RC Toulonnais in the French Top 14. Lea'aetoa's position of choice is as a prop.
Although he was born in Auckland in 1977 ' his parents came from Tonga, he spent his childhood in Australia in the Manly, 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! The Tongan international was a relative latecomer to rugby union only taking up the sport 14 years ago in New Zealand. During his time in Sydney he spent several years at the Northern Suburbs Rugby Club.
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.
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'.
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