The international rugby comeback of cancer survivor Nasi Manu has been delayed with the Tongan captain withdrawing from today's test against Samoa.
Nasi Manu training with the Tongan team earlier in the week Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
Manu, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer last year, was originally named as 'Ikale Tahi captain for the Pacific Nations Cup opener.
He had missed the entire 2018 season for his Italian club Bennetton Treviso while he undertook treatment and his naming in the squad had been a source of inspiration for many of the players.
However this morning the 'Ikale Tahi announced that Manu, a former Highlanders Super Rugby captain, had been been forced to withdraw due to an undisclosed injury.
Hooker Elvis Taione assumes the captaincy duties while Sione Vailanu is promoted into the number 8 jersey with Siua Halanukonuka taking his place on the bench.