COOPER Vuna has been handed the chance to achieve his dream of playing at the Rio Olympics after being successful in his bid to switch his allegiance to Tonga.

The Worcester Warriors wing has been named vice captain for Pacific Islanders’ Sevens side who will compete for the final place at the Games this weekend.

His inclusion for the competition in Monaco will be a huge boost for the 28-year-old who revealed his ambition to play for Tonga at the end of last season.

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

Tonga have been given a tough draw in the competition as they find themselves in Pool A alongside Ireland, Zimbabwe and HSBC Paris Sevens winners Samoa.

But Vuna, who moved to Sixways from Japanese side Toshiba Brave Lupus in March last year, says he is hopeful of helping his nation to secure their spot.

“I’m really looking forward to representing Tonga Sevens and we are all focused on doing ourselves proud and progressing as far as we can,” he said.

“We’ve prepared really well for the tournament but there is only one place at the Olympics remaining so we know we all have to play at the top of our game over the entire weekend.”

The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the knockout stages, with only the eventual winners of the tournament claiming a place at the Olympic Games.

The action kicks-off at 11am local time at the iconic Stade Louis II stadium in the heart of the Principality tomorrow, with the final taking place on Sunday at 6.30pm local time.

The Rio Olympic Sevens will then get underway on Tuesday 9 August and comprises Fiji, South Africa, New Zealand, Great Britain, Argentina, USA, France, Kenya, Japan, Australia and hosts Brazil.

If Tonga come out on top, Vuna could face Warriors teammate Francois Hougaard on sport’s biggest stage this summer having been named in South Africa’s Sevens squad.

Speaking to the Worcester News last month, Vuna said: “Tonga have stepped up and asked me to play for them.

“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.”