Halatoa Vailea
| Born | February 14, 1999 Tonga | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 105 kg (16 st 7 lb; 231 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Kashiwa High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | Nippon Sport Science University | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Halatoa Vailea (ハラトア・ヴァイレア); born February 14, 1999) is a Tongan Japanese-raised rugby union player[1] who currently plays as a centre or wing for the Kubota Spears in Japan's League One.[2]
Early career
Vailea is from Tonga before moving to Japan for schooling, where he attended Kashiwa High School.[3] After school, he moved to Japan to study at Nippon Sport Science University where he also played rugby between 2018 and 2022, playing originally as a loose forward.[4] Having been schooled in Japan and being eligible on residency grounds, he represented Japan at U19 level, scoring a hat-trick against Ireland,[5] In the same year he represented Japan U20.[6]
Professional career
Vailea signed for Kubota Spears in 2022.[7] Having made 28 appearances in his first three seasons, he had a break out season in 2025, scoring eleven tries, the fifth most in the competition.[8] His performances earned him selection for the Japan national side, making his debut against Wales scoring a try.[9] In October of the same year, he represented Japan XV in their match against Australia A.[10]
References
- ^ "Player's Profile: Halatoa Vailea". kubota-spears.com. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
- ^ "2024-25 Season: Halatoa Vailea (FB)". league-one.jp. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
- ^ "Japan High Schools Tour of Ireland 2018". Japan Rugby. 23 February 2018. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ^ "Nine young stars to breakout in 2019". Rugby Pass. 2 January 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ^ "Delight For Japan U-19s At Donnybrook As They Claim Ireland Scalp". Irish Rugby. 28 March 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ "World Rugby U20 Championship: Wales 18-17 Japan". BBC Sport. 7 June 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ "クボタスピアーズ船橋・東京ベイ2022年度 新入団選手のお知らせ". Kubota Spears (in Japanese). 12 January 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ^ "Japan Rugby League One 2024–25 - Try". Japan Rugby League One. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ^ "Japan score late try to extend Wales' winless run". BBC Sport. 5 July 2025. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ^ "Japan XV Tackle Australia A in Osaka". All Things Rugby. 17 October 2025. Retrieved 4 November 2025.