Tonga Rugby League

It comes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport last month dismissed an appeal by the former governing body, Tonga National Rugby League, over its expulsion from the International Rugby League (IRL).

Admitting a new Tongan member was not discussed at the IRL Board meeting two weeks ago but Secretary General Danny Kazandjian said the Asia Pacific Confederation "will now assume formal responsibility for speaking to all Tongan parties on both the issue of the new membership and the world cup campaign."

It comes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed an appeal by the former governing body, Tonga National Rugby League, over its expulsion from the International Rugby League.

The Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation last year endorsed the bid by a rival body, Tonga Ma'a Tonga Rugby League (TMTRL), for full IRL membership.

The TMTRL President, Lord Fakafanua, said discussions with the IRL and Tongan government have begun but acknowledged it was still a sensitive time for the sport.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) this week dismissed the Tonga National Rugby League's (TNRL) appeal against its expulsion from the International Rugby League in March last year, after a long-running battle over governance, money and a threatened player boycott.

IRL Secretary General Danny Kazandjian was pleased with the decision but saddened it had got to this point.

"It was completely unnecessary that it had to go to court" he said.

The TNRL was expelled from the International Rugby League (IRL) in March last year, after a long-running battle over governance, money and a threatened player boycott.

A two-day hearing was held in December, with CAS confirming on Tuesday the resolution of the IRL's Board to expel the TNRL from its membership had been upheld.

The panel of three arbitrators from the USA, Australia and Canada, concluded the expulsion was justified] after the "TNRL's refusal to cooperate with or to participate in the IRL's investigation and consultation processes."

The 28-year-old prop has joined the Robins on a two-year contract from reigning NRL champions Melbourne Storm.

Vete has played twice for Tonga since making his international debut in 2015 and is hoping strong performances for Hull KR will earn him selection in Kristian Woolf’s Tonga squad for the World Cup this autumn.

When asked if he would like to play for Tonga at the World Cup, Vete replied: “100%, not just because they are doing well right now but because it is such a privilege to represent your heritage and culture.

The 27 year-old has been rated as the player to watch out for from Tonga, by the ultimate rugby league news website ‘Love Rugby League’.

Taumalolo is a household name in rugby league.

The 27-year-old has represented Tonga 13 times and has played for the kingdom in two World Cups.

The North Queensland Cowboys star is a Dally M Medal winner and was named in the 2017 World Cup Team of the Tournament.

Tonga will be playing against Papua  New Guinea on 26 October at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

The TNRL was expelled from the IRL in March last year, after a long-running battle over governance, money and a threatened player boycott.

The hearing between TNRL and the IRL was held on 8-to-9 December 2020.

CAS Communications Officer, Katy Hogg, told Matangi Tonga that it is unknown when a decision will be announced.

Two separate organizations have applied for full membership with IRL to become Tonga's recognized national rugby league governing body since TNRL's expulsion.

The Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) was expelled from the International Rugby League (IRL) in March, after a long-running battle over governance, money and a threatened player boycott.

The TNRL appealed against its expulsion before the Court of Arbitration for Sport this week.

Secretary William Edwards said he was comfortable with how the two-day hearing played out.

The Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) is appealing against its expulsion from the global governing body, the International Rugby League (IRL), with an appeal set for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) next month.

In a written statement, IRL Global Operations Manager Danny Kazandjian, said it was open to a reconciliation after being contacted by representatives of the TNRL.

Fetū Samoa defended strongly in a credible 28-8 defeat by New Zealand but the agility and foot work of the Kiwi Ferns ultimately proved too strong at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Coach Ross Uele believed the team would only get better with more time together.

"If we had another week under our belt it could have been a different story, but full credit to the Kiwis," he said.

"They're the benchmark and I'm really happy with the girls and what they did today."