Kristian Woolf has been confirmed to continue as Head Coach of Tonga’s National Rugby League team ahead of the June test match against New Zealand and the World Cup in England later this year.  

Ministry of Internal Affairs Dr Fotu Fisi’iahi confirmed at a press conference this week that he had been in contact and will continue liaising with Kristian leading up to the matches.

Meanwhile, the test match against New Zealand in June is a warm up game for the World Cup.

New Zealand Rugby League has agreed to cover the cost for Tonga including paying Tongan players.

Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Poasi Tei said it’s been a long time since Tonga has had a rugby league game.

“We hope the game scheduled in New Zealand in June will go ahead and bring joy to the people of Tonga after the difficulties we’ve endured this year.”

New national rugby league governing body

Dr Fotu Fisi’iahi confirmed the new national rugby league governing body in Tonga.

“They are called the Tonga Rugby League [Incorporated].”

He said the Tonga Rugby League Incorporated registered with the International Rugby League (IRL) and has been accepted as a member.

The previous governing body, Tonga National Rugby League, was expelled from the IRL membership in February 2020.

This was due to a dispute with Mate Ma'a Tonga players, when Coach Kristian Woolf was let go.

Under Kristian Woolf’s guidance, Tonga reached the semi-finals in the last Rugby League World Cup for the first time in history.

In November 2019, Tonga made history again when they defeated rugby league champion, Australia, for the first time, 16-12.

Tonga heads its own pool at the Rugby League World Cup to be held in England from 15 October to 19 November.