IRL welcomes new governing body in Tonga

International Rugby League has welcomed Tonga Rugby League XIII as the official governing body for the game in Tonga.

The decision to formally recognise TRLXIII ensures stability for the game in the Pacific Nation after the expulsion of Tonga as an IRL member in 2019.

TRLXIII has recruited a well-balanced, elite Board of Directors that caters for every layer of Tongan Rugby League.

The Board has led consultations with the government, which has also corresponded separately with IRL. The new body has the support of local clubs in Tonga and the National Team, which will play in RLWC2026 under the leadership of TRLXIII.

TRLXIII will also oversee the Tonga Women’s Team playing in Pacific Championship qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this year.

IRL Chair Troy Grant said: “The formalisation of TRLXIII, run by a high quality board, as the governing body in Tonga it’s a huge step forward for the growth of the game domestically and preparation of the National Teams for the 2026 World Cup.

“TRLXIII’s constitution, organisational structure, elected Board, National Team and support of local clubs suggests that it will be stable and productive.

“The Board of TRLXIII will be chaired by Lord Fakafanua, who is the Speaker of Parliament in Tonga, and includes independent directors, and representatives of the National Team and the local clubs.

“I thank the Government of Tonga for their support since 2019, particularly at the last World Cup in 2022, and look forward to the ongoing support of Tonga’s wonderful Men’s and Women’s Teams at the upcoming Pacific Championships.”

The TRLXIII Board comprises of: 

·       Independent Chair: Lord Fakafanua, the Speaker of Parliament (2012-2014, 2017-2021, 2021-Present) and MP since 2009; 

·       Independent Directors: Michael Whitten KC, who is a barrister from Victoria and from 2019-23 was Lord Chief Justice of Tonga; and Viliami Takau, who is the CEO of Ministry of Tourism

·       National Teams Director: Scott Clark, who is Men’s NT manager and was elected by the NT players to the Board). He is CEO of Redcliffe Dolphins DRLFC.

·       Club Elected Directors: Tevita Vaikona, who is a former Tongan international and Super League player, an experienced sports and education administrator, and technical advisor to Ha’apai RL Club; Pita Vakautakala, Secretary of Ha’akame Broncos RL Club, and Hola ‘Otuafi, President of Ha’ateiho Crusaders RLC.

Lord Fakafanua, chair of the National Federation for Rugby League in Tonga, said: “We’re experiencing an exciting new chapter for rugby league in Tonga, and I look forward to taking this step forward in unison with our local and international players as well as our loyal supporters.

“The new Board acknowledges the support of the IRL, APRL and Government of Tonga in the re-establishment of our National Federation for Rugby League in Tonga. We intend to fully capitalise on this opportunity to focus on the fundamentals, that is developing the sport for the success of current and future players.”