By Pesi Fonua

The Board of the Tonga Rugby Union has agreed to reform the structure of the dysfunctional organisation, that has faced financial disarray.

On Friday, 6 November, the Board unanimously supported a proposal by the TRU President Siaosi Pohiva to reform the structure of the Tonga Rugby Union.

The meeting, chaired by Siaosi Pohiva, was attended by Cabinet Minister Hon. Poasi Tei (MEIDEC); representatives of the Tongatapu sub-union, Manu Mataele, Malu’afisi Falekaono and ‘Aisea ‘Aholelei; a representative of the Ha’apai sub-union Vaita Ueleni; and a World Rugby Observer, Semisi Lutui.

The Tongan Rugby Union has been dysfunctional for years, and has reached a situation that if it does not restructure itself to play its role efficiently and adequately, its major source of finance for the development of Tongan Rugby, the World Rugby, will cease to provide funds for the Tonga Rugby Union’s High Performance Programme.

The Tongan Rugby Union is made up of four sub-unions, of Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u, with 82 rugby clubs. It is estimated that 80% of Tonga’s rugby players are from Tongatapu and 20% from the outer islands.

Siaosi explained that the only set direction for the reform that they hoped to achieve, is for the Tongan Rugby Union to get out from the disastrous situation that it has got itself into during the past few years.

He pointed out that the financial situation of the Tonga Rugby Union had not been audited since 2015.

Meanwhile, the Vice President Fe’ao Vunipola, who is also the treasurer and the Interim Chief Executive Officer, lives in the United Kingdom.

Siaosi became the President in January, taking over from his father, the late Hon. 'Akilisi Pohiva.

“Our objective is to set a new direction for the Tongan Rugby Union.” He said that they have approached the Australian High Commissioner for assistance. Siaosi was was optimistic that they are on the right track.

The fundamental problem facing the Tonga Rugby Union is its lack of financial sources.

At the moment its two main sources of income are the Tongan Government and the World Rugby. On 25 September the World Rugby Ltd and the Government of Tonga, and the Tonga rugby Union have signed the Tripartite Agreement. The Head of Development and international Relations, David Carrigy signed the agreement for the World Rugby Limited. Hon. Poasi Tei signed for the Government of Tonga (witnessed by 'Aisea 'Aholelei), and Siaosi Pohiva signed for the Tonga Rugby Union (witnessed by Manu Mataele).

“We agreed that this agreement outlines the objectives, high level requirements and performances measures for the Tonga High Performance Programme and the responsibilities for all parties during the 2020-2024 period.”

The Tripartite Agreement will be management by a Joint Management Committee JMC.

The members of the JMC will be made up of an Independent Chairman to be appointed by the World Rugby; the World Rugby General Manager for High Performance or his nominee for World Rugby, a representative of the Tongan Government, a representative of the Tonga Rugby Union and a representative of the Pacific Rugby Players, as an observer only and has no voting rights. The CEO of the TRU will be the JMC secretary and has no voting rights.

Currently the TRU is advertising for a Chief Executive Officer. There is an understanding that once a new CEO is selected that World Rugby will proceed with its program to provide strategic input, administration leadership and governance to the Tongan Rugby Union High Performance Program to maximise the potential for sustained international success by Tonga Rugby.