Former Tonga captain Sika Manu and current international player Will Hopoate have been nominated as board members for a new governing body in Tonga, according to the International Rugby League (IRL) on 7 May.

An expression of interest from Tonga Ma’a Tonga Rugby League (TMTRL) to be the recognized member representing Tonga was received by the IRL. The EOI proposed a new governance structure involving the two players.

The IRL [2] said the TMTRL expression of interest is the only one received.

Meanwhile, Sika Manu and Will Hopoate are reported to be excited with their nominations.

“I’m very honoured to be part of the new Tongan Rugby League board and excited to help with the progression of the Tongan Rugby League team and also the development of Rugby League in Tonga,” said Sika.

Will Hopoate said he was also “excited and grateful to be a part of the new Tonga Rugby League board and striving to help the Tongan National team progress as well as building Rugby League in Tonga”.

Progress

The progress was welcomed by IRL Global Operations Manager Danny Kazandjian after an implementation committee was formed to help with preparation of an application for the Tongan membership of the IRL.

The move, followed the expulsion of the previous governing body, Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) from the IRL membership.

The four-member implementation committee includes two independent members from Tonga, Ikani Taliai from Tonga Sports Council and Suliana Mone, a constitutional lawyer, as well as player Konrad Hurrell and Gareth Holmes, an Asia-Pacific Rugby League representative.

“The Implementation Committee (IC) has worked diligently and continues to support TMTRL to develop their organisation and to complete their application,” said Mr Kazandjian.

“Despite the world-wide constraints due to COVID-19 we are confident that the implementation committee will be able to conclude this process quickly and the new board representing the whole Tongan Rugby League community will take up its position and submit their application for membership of International Rugby League.”

He added that the IRL CEO Nigel Wood had been in contact with Prime Minister, Hon Pohiva Tu’ionetoa, and IRL would like to thank him and his government for their support and encouragement of this process.

“The government has committed to working closely with IRL to see the restoration of Tonga to the international rugby league community.”

“We look forward to seeing rugby league being played in the kingdom and the Tongan national team back in action as soon as circumstances permit.”