Tonga Government disappointed with Tonga Rugby League appointments

The Office of the Prime Minister has reacted to recent appointments to the Tonga Rugby League.

Member of Parliament Semisi Sika and Speaker of Parliament Lord Fakafanua were appointed executives in a meeting facilitated by the Implementation Committee (IC) established by International Rugby League last week.

A statement said the Government is deeply concerned with the lack of consultation by the IRL leading up to the expulsion of the TNRL and subsequently with the recommendation to establish an Implementation Committee (IC).

“The Government holds strong reservations regarding the IC including the appropriateness of the proposed governance structure, the composition of its membership and the institutional arrangement,” the statement said.

“Whilst, the IRL has corresponded with the Government, we feel that this is has not been a constructive, effective nor professional manner in which to have engaged a Member Country regarding a matter of national and international significance.
The Government is not confident that the IRL will be neutral and unbiased in the establishment of the IC.”

“Furthermore, the Tonga Courts have adjudicated and determined the legal national representative of the Rugby League code in the Kingdom and for international representation. Therefore, any attempt to disregard and defy the decision of Tonga’s sovereign legal system is not appreciated,” the statement said.

“Furthermore, Government recognizes the proceedings initiated before the Court of Sports Arbitration by the TNRL and will abide by any decision of the Court. The Government does not intend to engage any further with the International Rugby League, pending the decision of the Court."