Fe’ao Vunipola, the new interim Chairman and President of the Tonga Rugby Union TRU has announced his work plan for the struggling TRU, which he says needs to have a full-time CEO, and that it is time to separate the positions of the Chair and President.

At a press conference in Nuku'alofa on Friday, 11 December, Fe'ao gave a brief overview of the situation at the union as he found it.

Fe’ao was selected after the sudden resignation of ‘Epeli Taione at the conclusion of the 2015 Rugby World Cup in the United Kingdom at the end of October. ‘Epeli was reported to have handed in his resignation after the ‘Ikale Tahi failed to advance into the quarter finals.

Fe’ao who resides in the United Kingdom accepted the selection, on an interim basis until April/May, the completion of the current four year term for Chairman and President, when officers will be elected.

 In prioritizing a list of things that he would like to see done as soon as possible, he said he would like to see the position of President separated from that of Chairman of the Union.

He also would like the Union to have a full-time Chief Executive Officer. The Union has been managed by an interim Chief Executive Officer since 2012.

On a more controversial issue, he said that the Union has been taken to court over a number of unpaid bills, which have run into over $100,000 pa’anga.

With regards to the game of rugby itself, Fe’ao’s prioritized list between now and the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan included:

1. Upgrade Teufaiva Stadium to a standard where Tonga can hold international test matches.
2. The establishment of a Rugby Academy.
3. Recruit and contract coaches for the Under-20 and Tonga A.
4. Establish a set number of players in the ‘Ikale Tahi to be local players.
5. Find ways to make it easier for Tongan players who play top-class rugby overseas to be able to come and play for Tonga.
6. Find a new source of revenue for the Union, other than the financial assistance from the World Rugby.
7. Establish a unit in the Union to develop rugby for girls.
8. Work closely with the Tonga Amateur Sports Association on how to advance seven-a-side rugby.