Editor,

I have read about the division in the Tonga RFU Board, and I find it very amusing.

On good advice it has been stated that William Edwards is attempting to become an advisor to the Tonga RFU, (advice I am sure they can do without). His advice led to the Sacking of Rugby League Coaches Duane Mann and Willie Wolfgram last year after they had won the Pacific Rim Tournament, and then his advice led to the apponitment of Jim Dymock and Martin Marcella. William Edwards created the divide and rule policy for Duane Mann and Willie Wolfgram, and he only became involved when there was a trip to the UK and the possibitlites of money.

As I have been told from Willie Edwards own mouth he received in excess of $200,000 from both the Government and the Leiola Duty Free, this was to cover player payments and so on, well the players were never paid, and the trip was paid for by the Australian and England Rugby league organisations, so where did the money go. There was a one off payment made for extra accomodation that was required but this was only $12,000. So what happened to the balance. Is the Tonga Rugby Union now subject to a William Edwards divide and rule process. But do not forget it is World Cup year and there will be lots of money floating around.

With Tonga Rugby League, none of the players were paid the money that they should have, 6 players left the team and are now aliens in Australia, which has made it difficult for future tours, and a hotel was smashed up in the UK on the last evening. Tonga Rugby League already had funding in place which was arranged by Duanne Mann and Willie Wolfgram NZ$150,000, which was to be part of players' payments and any extras, but that never happened, as Mr William Edwards put a stop to that. Why would he want change when there was already a sucessful team in place, and a team comitted to their sport and the players welfare and their families.

I hope Tonga Rugby Union get rid of him and his advice and get back to getting the best team on the field for the world Cup.

Sincerely

Paul Fifita