Women's rugby in Tonga reached a historic milestone after the Tonga Women’s Rugby Union (TWRU) elected its President, Hon Fanetupouvava’u Tuita Tu’ivakano, as a non-voting representative on the Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) board for the first time.

The announcement was made today as part of celebrating International Women's Day.

“The role of our representative will be to lead the development of women’s rugby, ensuring the successful promotion and development of women within the auspices of the Tonga Rugby Union,” said Hon Fanetupouvava’u Tu’ivakano.

The position was at the invitation of TRU, which is being reformed under new CEO, Peter Harding.

Hon Fanetupouvava’u is currently Tonga’s High Commissioner to the UK, but actively supports and advocates women’s rugby in Tonga.

She has been President of the TWRU since its inception in 2016 when it was known as Tonga Women’s Rugby Association. She led the Tonga Women’s National Sevens team to Oceania Rugby Sevens Tournament in 2016 and 2017.

In her absence, TWRU Chairlady, ‘Aisiena Taumoepeau acts as her proxy.

The TWRU said it welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with dedicated and passionate people involved in rugby to work together in 2021 and beyond towards successfully building rugby and ensuring the sport thrives for all Tongan rugby players, both men and women.