WING Cooper Vuna is “very near” to getting the go-ahead for his international switch to Tonga.

The 28-year-old Worcester Warriors back is awaiting clearance from the authorities to play union for the Pacific Islanders in an Olympic Sevens qualifier in Monaco next month.

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

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

“I am aware of it and I think it’s something which gives him (Vuna) the opportunity to play for Tonga,” said Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan.

“We are not sure what it looks like at the moment and we’re in discussions but it’s very near.”

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

Vuna previously 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.

The wing has also enjoyed a career in league with New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights before a national call-up for Tonga.

“I have always had a big thing with my defence, especially being a rugby league winger,” said Vuna.

“It has been a challenging thing trying to learn more about the game.

“I tried to learn it when I first went to the Rebels and it was quite hard to adapt.

“But coming here and working with Crossy (Simon Cross) has helped me massively and if I play internationally with Tonga I will just move it on try to improve further.”

Vuna played 21 Aviva Premiership games for Warriors – he was omitted from the squad for their win at Harlequins in March when Tom Biggs played the full 80 minutes.

“It’s always disappointing not be in the team but I wasn’t right that week – my foot wasn’t helping at the time,” he said. “But I went down to be involved with the squad.”

Vuna has finished Warriors’ Premiership campaign as their leading try-scorer with nine, two ahead of fellow wing Bryce Heem.

“I think I averaged seven tries a year in my time at Rebels and it’s our job as a winger to try to score as many tries as we can and help out the team," said Vuna.

“I am much happier when I am scoring tries.

"It’s hard to pick off tries but you have to be in the right place at the right time.”