Paddy Power will be playing for Tonga at the Rugby World Cup!!!!

[2hcb]

Epi Taione, no stranger to controversy in the past, has caused another big stir on the eve of the Rugby World Cup by changing his name to Paddy Power.

The versatile Tongan, formerly of Newcastle and Sale, has changed his name by deed poll and, much to the chagrin of the International Rugby Board, he will be called Paddy Power throughout the tournament, after signing a sponsorship agreement with the bookmaker bearing the same name.

The Irish firm agreed a five-figure deal to fund hard-up Tonga's preparations for the tournament, which kicks off next week.

The 125kg star who can play either centre, wing or No 8 saw his career in English rugby come to an end in February 2006 when he was banned for 18 weeks after pleading guilty to biting Munster and Ireland No 8 Denis Leamy in Sale's Heineken Cup loss to the Irish province.

On completion of his sentence, Taione resumed his club career with Sanyo in Japan and is now looking forward to playing a pivotal role for Tonga.

The 28-year-old has set his sights on trying to fulfill a lifetime ambition of scoring a try against world champions England.

The Tongan Sea Eagles will play Brian Ashton's side in their final pool game on September 28, and Paddy Power have set odds of 7-1 on their namesake delivering what could prove an awkward moment for commentators unsure whether or not to subscribe to the marketing masterstroke.

Bookmaker Paddy Power admitted it was a dream come true to see his name feature at the Rugby World Cup.

"I was never good enough to play rugby in a World Cup and figured this was as close as I was going to get," he said.

Taione is hoping his name change will bring a change of fortune for his country whose campaign kicks off against the USA in Montpellier on September 12.

"It's a great fun idea, I was happy to help when I was asked. I hope some of the luck of the Irish rubs off on us."

Taione's agent Nick Taylor of Phoenix Management admitted the opportunity to help the Tongans was too good to turn down.

"We are really appreciative of Paddy Power's efforts in help to supporting an emerging nation like Tonga," he said

Paddy Power certainly hire marketing men with a sense of humour!!!

[Darren]

Paddy Power are a bunch of nutters, but they grab a lot of great cheap publicity. They have paid out on Derby to be relegated already as well.

[friskyfitz]

Love them!!