The Bulls past and present will gather in Manchester next week for a feast of rugby union.

Powerhouse winger Tevita Vaikona will fulfil a dream by joining up with his Tongan team-mates for the tournament which begins next Friday.

And former Bradford hero Henry Paul will make a return to the North as he dons an England shirt in the competition.

The two code converters are both set to star in what promises to be one of the more exciting and keenly viewed events of these Games.

Vaikona, who was vice-captain for his country in the 2000 World Cup, has said winning a gold medal would mean more then winning the Grand final.

And as manager of the Tongans, who also feature Bradford & Bingley's new signing Joe Nua, a win would be especially important.

Nua, the captain of the side, is arriving in the country today after getting stuck in New Zealand en-route over to England.

He will link up with the squad in time for the first friendly tomorrow.

Fellow Bull Lesley Vainikolo, born in Tonga but a New Zealand international, is even helping out as water-boy in what will be a powerful and emotionally-charged team.

"This is a very proud moment for me," said Vaikona, who also acts as an agent for Tongans coming over to play either code of rugby in Europe.

"A chance to represent Tonga in the Commonwealth Games is a special thing for me.

"As far as I know I am the first person from my island, Uiha, to be able to do this, and I am going to make the most of it.

"We have some very good players and we will be giving it our all."

The Tongans have had to rely on Bulls' sponsors to help out with kit, with Logitog, Sewell Distribution Group and Diamond Seal all stepping in to kit out the side.

A friendly warm-up game has been organised in Manchester against England tomorrow and a further match will be played at Bradford & Bingley's Wagon Lane ground on Saturday.

And former New Zealand international Paul, who could face brother Robbie in the Middlesex Sevens tournament next month, will continue his new international career in the event.

The Grand Final winner has had a rough ride since making the £250,000 a year move to Gloucester, but is proving a hit at the small-side version of the game.

His international career for his adoptive nation seemed to be over before it began after a hapless debut against France in the Six Nations.

But it was resurrected with a win in the Hong Kong Sevens and he has now been handed a chance to grab medal glory in Manchester.

There will also be a home-coming trip up north for Wasps' Paul Sampson.

The former Thackley resident and Woodhouse Grove School pupil is also set to feature for the home nation, a welcome return to representative football after his surprise call-up when still at school in 1996.