Another organization hoping to become Tonga’s recognized national rugby league governing body, has applied for full membership of the International Rugby League (IRL).

According to the Asia Pacific Rugby League, they have received the second new application and will review it initially before a recommendation is made to the IRL and the wider membership.

The second organization has not been named.

The second application was announced the day after Tonga Ma’a Tonga Rugby League (TMTRL) had applied for IRL membership last week.

Lord Fakafanua is the President of TMTRL Board, and Semisi Sika as Chair with Sika Manu and Will Hopoate as nominated board members.

Meanwhile, the former governing body of rugby league, Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL), which was expelled from the IRL membership in February 2020, has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

This body is still waiting on confirmation of a date for their case to be heard, and the IRL has indicated they will contest this appeal.

TNRL was expelled from the IRL membership after a dispute with Mate Ma’a Tonga players, when Coach Kristian Woolf was let go.