WORCESTER Warriors wing Cooper Vuna is changing his allegiance to Tonga with the dream of playing at the Rio Olympics this summer.

The New Zealand-born back has represented Tonga in Rugby League but has won two caps for Australia at Rugby Union.

Now the 28-year-old is waiting for clearance from the authorities to play union for the Pacific Islanders in an Olympic Sevens qualifier in Monaco next month.

“It’s not rock solid at the moment,” said Vuna, who has scored seven tries in 20 Aviva Premiership appearances for Warriors this term.

“But I have just changed allegiance to play for Tonga in an Olympic qualifier in Monaco.

“I am waiting for the relevant authorities to clear it.

“It would be awesome to get into the Olympics but we will see how it goes. I have never played Sevens rugby.”

Vuna moved to Sixways from Japanese side Toshiba Brave Lupus in March last year, scoring eight tries in nine appearances as Warriors won promotion to the Premiership.

He has played for Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby and won two caps for Australia in the summer of 2012 when the Wallabies hosted Wales in a three-match series.

Vuna has also enjoyed a career in Rugby League with New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights before a national call-up for Tonga.

The winger admitted: “Over the last six months I have been dreaming of going back to Super Rugby and trying again to play for Australia.

“But it’s a bit too much to go back to Australia and taking my family with me because it’s hard for my wife to move around because we are expecting another child.

“I have to put pride to one side and take the opportunities which come my way.”

The final global qualification for the men’s sevens for Rio takes place at the Stade Louis II in Monaco on June 18 and 19.

“Tonga have stepped up and asked me to play for them,” said Vuna, who is contracted to Warriors until the end of next season.

“I have been away from Australia for some time and not played international rugby for them since 2012 and I think it’s the right move for me to change and play for Tonga.

“I’ve already spoken with Tonga’s staff and I will hopefully get my name back up there in international levels. It could be very exciting.”