Toua keen for rep duties

By PARKER TAMBUA
FORMER Queensland Reds back Aidan Toua says he is aiming to come out of retirement and represent Papua New Guinea.
The 31-year-old previously represented Australia in sevens (2009 and 2010) going on to make his Super Rugby debut in 2011.
Toua told The National yesterday that World Rugby’s eligibility rule had not allowed him to play for his native country PNG when he was playing Super Rugby.
However, the Central man said under the recent rule change an international player would be able to transfer once from one union to another following a three-year stand down.
Toua, who retired at the end 2020 season after one year stint with Japanese franchise Honda Heats, said the rule change would give him the opportunity to come back home and help with the development of the game.
“I am happily retired now although the change in World Rugby regulations allows me to play sevens and 15s for the Pukpuks,” Toua said.
“Previously I played for Australia in sevens that is why I wasn’t eligible to play for PNG.
“But with this new rule there is potential for me to come out of retirement and help the game back home (PNG). “I’ve been in touch with people at PNG Rugby Union signaling my intentions so hopefully we can make it work.
“There are couple of other guys playing overseas who are also keen so this could be the boost that the code needs.”
Meanwhile, Toua said he had enjoyed his rugby career which lasted for 12 seasons.
He said he considered the benefits of playing professional rugby as his highlights.
“I guess the real highlights for me was just being able to travel the world by doing something that was fun,” Toua said. “The experiences that I gained in living in different countries with my family and experiencing different cultures is a real highlight and it outweighs anything that I can personally achieve on the rugby field.”