By Paul Smith 
After appearing in Cov’s Premiership Rugby Cup draw with Harlequins the fly half left on Sunday to join his international teammates in Paris.
The 23-year-old no.10 has been added to Tonga’s cohort after Otumaka Mausia sustained a calf injury in training ahead of his country’s defeat against Ireland.
Pellegrini, who won his first caps over the summer could now feature in World Cup clashes against Scotland, South Africa and Romania.
The Sydney-born back who also has English and Italian ancestry said he was thrilled to receive a call-up after narrowly missing selection for Tonga’s original squad.
“I was stoked to get the call,” he said. “I was on the standby list but had no idea that anything had happened prior to then.
“When I didn’t make the original squad I was told by head coach Toutai Kefu to be ready as you never know what could happen and unfortunately there has now been an injury so I fly out to Paris to join the squad soon after they play Ireland.”
Pellegrini will rub shoulders with global rugby superstars including former All Blacks Vaea Fifita, Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa and George Moala who following legislative changes are now permitted to play international rugby for a second country.
Coventry head coach Alex Rae said the call-up is well deserved and that he now hopes his no.10 will get some game time during the World Cup.
“I’m delighted that Pat has got the opportunity to go to the World Cup and hope he gets the chance to play,” he said. “Sometimes you need a bit of luck and for him this injury call-up might be that.
“Since he came back from Tonga’s summer camp we have seen a change in him and being around all those world-class players has obviously rubbed off on him. His preparation has gone up a level which is testament to him.
“It also shows you can come from a different background and have an unusual route and still find your way to the top of the game.
“It’s fantastic for Coventry too. We want ambitious players and coaches around us and Pat’s call-up reflects a lot of hard work not just from him but also the coaches, conditioners and physios who have worked with him.”
Pellegrini’s 2022/23 season saw him accumulate 153 points in 18 Coventry appearances. His nine tries included a brilliant hat-trick during his club’s 47-7 win over Doncaster in December.
He began his club’s 2023/24 campaign by scoring a try and kicking four conversions in their 24-14 opening day Premiership Rugby Cup defeat of Saracens.
To watch Pat Pellegrini represent Coventry at the Butts Park Arena purchase a season membership by visiting here.
