An interim group, chaired by Tonga's Prime Minister, will manage Tonga’s Rugby League Affairs, until a rugby league governing body is established next year, confirmed the Prime Minister’s office today, 29 June.

The PM's office said the Interim Management Group has advised the International Rugby League that they will plan a pathway to establish the Tonga Rugby League Incorporated, by March 2022.

In the meantime, the group will look after rugby league matters such as managing Tonga’s team for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup to be held in England starting on 23 October. The group, set up in May, includes members from the Tongan Government and the Asia Pacific Rugby League (APRL). They are:

• Chair: Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’I’onetoa
• Deputy Chair: Minister for Finance Hon Tevita Lavemaau
• Secretary: Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet Edgar Cocker, and APRL’s Jeremy Edwards
• Working Committee members: Minister for Trade and Economics Hon Tatafu Moeaki, Ministry of Internal Affairs CEO Dr Fotu Fisi’iahi, APRL’s Scott Clark and Gareth Holmes.

The group will confirm with the IRL that Tonga will take part in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, and will support the team to reach the best level they can, hopefully, at the semi-final level as the previous World Cup.

No mention was made about the two orgnizations, including Tonga Ma'a Tonga Rugby League, that had applied to the IRL via the APRL, to be Tonga's national rugby league governing body.