By Finau Fonua

TONGAN rugby made significant developments in 2010, including a centre to develop licensed referees, the introduction of women's rugby, as well as the success of the national team the 'Ikale Tahi in Europe.

The new Tonga Rugby Union Authority at its inaugural meeting on December 29 at Fasimoeafi, also welcomed the first female director of Tonga Rugby, 'Aloma Johansson who was recently appointed to the board.

TRUA Board chairman Bob Tuckey in a statement, outlined the new initiatives undertaken by the Board since its establishment in February 2010.

Notable achievements included the establishment of a licensed training centre for referee development; the international debut of Tonga's first woman's rugby sevens team; and the success of the 'Ikale Tahi in its November tour of Europe.

Despite the 'Ikale Tahi's poor performance at the Pacific Nations Cup in Samoa in the middle of 2010, the recent victories over Italy A and the French Barbarians had made the TRUA optimistic for 2011.

'Ikale Tahi Head Coach, 'Isitolo Maka, who was present at the meeting, told the TRUA that Tongan rugby was in progress for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand this year.

Referee and Rugby Development Manager, 'Etoni Tonga, outlined to the meeting, the Union's detailed planning for the delivery of coach and referee education and accreditation courses in the four sub-union territories throughout 2011.

2011

The 2011 international programme will commence in mid-January 2011 with two matches to be played between Tonga A and Melbourne Rebels, the new Australian Super Rugby franchise.

The meeting also honoured the memory of the late Sione Mafi, the captain of the famous 1973 team who defeated the Australian Wallabies at Ballymore in Brisbane. He died in Brisbane in early December.

Attending the inaugural meeting were the deputy chairman Rev Tevita Latailakepa, and board directors 'Aminiasi Kefu and 'Aloma Johansson, as well as representatives of the four sub-unions.