WING Cooper Vuna has joined up with the Tonga national squad for their Test against Italy at Padua's Stadio Euganeo on Saturday (2pm).

The Worcester Warriors back has represented Tonga in Rugby League but has won two caps for Australia at union.

New Zealand-born Vuna played union for the Pacific Islanders in an Olympic Sevens qualifier in Monaco during the summer.

Vuna looks set to miss Warriors’ Aviva Premiership clash at Exeter Chiefs on Saturday (4.30pn) and could be replaced by Bryce Heem or Tom Biggs.

The 29-year-old has played nine times for Warriors in the Premiership this term, scoring a try against Gloucester at Sixways on September 9.

Vuna picked up a knee injury against Newcastle Falcons at the beginning of October and returned to action for last Friday’s fixture with Northampton Saints.

The wing’s left knee was heavily strapped against Saints and he didn’t look at his sharpest before being replaced by Heem after 55 minutes.

Tonga, who beat the USA 20-17 in San Sebastian, Spain, last weekend, are ranked 15th, two spots below Italy.

Italy recorded a shock 20-18 win over South Africa last weekend in arguably the greatest result in the history.

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.

The former Melbourne Rebels ace finished Warriors’ last Premiership campaign as their leading try-scorer with nine, two ahead of Heem.

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