Statement Regarding Tonga National Rugby League

[yakstorm]

All nations should have proper Governance structures in place... The exact 'make up' of the board is less of an issue if there is clearly defined processes and roles, transparent reporting and proper auditing....

All things Tonga didn't have, especially with the news coming through that they had been spending league money on funding teams in other sports, non League related travel and accomodation, and with the board still only having 'acting' positions (why hasn't there been an EGM yet if the AGM is too far away?)

Unfortunately the IRL has often been too lax on these things and I have no doubt Tonga is only being targeted simply because they are so important to the success of the IRL in the next 3-5 years.

 

[Pommy]

All nations should have proper Governance structures in place... The exact 'make up' of the board is less of an issue if there is clearly defined processes and roles, transparent reporting and proper auditing....

All things Tonga didn't have, especially with the news coming through that they had been spending league money on funding teams in other sports, non League related travel and accomodation, and with the board still only having 'acting' positions (why hasn't there been an EGM yet if the AGM is too far away?)

Unfortunately the IRL has often been too lax on these things and I have no doubt Tonga is only being targeted simply because they are so important to the success of the IRL in the next 3-5 years.

I’m not sure the IRL targeted them, when big name NRL players are calling them out they have to react the same happened with Lebanon.
If a player from Sweden makes a song and dance who’s paying attention?

 

[siv]

All nations should have proper Governance structures in place... The exact 'make up' of the board is less of an issue if there is clearly defined processes and roles, transparent reporting and proper auditing....

All things Tonga didn't have, especially with the news coming through that they had been spending league money on funding teams in other sports, non League related travel and accomodation, and with the board still only having 'acting' positions (why hasn't there been an EGM yet if the AGM is too far away?)

One clear issue is the transition to professional structure

Rather than just blaming the IRL

You will find the APRLF who arnt implementing IRL or GAISF requirements

 

[yakstorm]

I’m not sure the IRL targeted them, when big name NRL players are calling them out they have to react the same happened with Lebanon.
If a player from Sweden makes a song and dance who’s paying attention?

That's what I meant by targeting them. There is a significant commercial value associated with the Tongan team, and less so Lebanon, hence the action they have taken.

The IRL has shown previously with South Africa, USA and even Tonga years ago that they won't get involved if it's deemed 'low key'.

 

[deluded pom?]

http://www.rlif.com/article/8903/in...onfirms-tonga-national-rugby-league-expulsion

 

[Shoulder Charge]

So I guess it’s time for a new committee, probably a good thing the test matches have been postponed now so they can take their time in setting up front office.

 

[deluded pom?]

http://www.rlif.com/article/8963/tongan-clubs-appoint-new-board-in-preparation-for-irl-membership

 

[mikail-eagle]

Just when you think its all over something else pops up.
Click on the link to listen to the full story.

https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/tonga-rl-control/12261842

Tongan Government cuts communication with IRL as dispute over who controls rugby league in Tonga rumbles on.

It's the cup that keeps on giving, the seemingly never ending battle over who controls rugby league in Tonga.

On the one hand, the new organisation formed in the wake of the breakdown in relations between the Tongan NRL and the world ruling body, the International Rugby League, is positioning itself to take the reins.

But despite being expelled by the IRL in March, the TNRL is fighting on by taking its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Against that background, both sides claim to have the backing of the Tongan government, but right now it looks like Tongan NRL has the advantage, with the government saying there will be no further talks with the IRL until the international court has delivered its verdict.

Meanwhile the new body, Tonga Ma'a Tonga Rugby League, which is looking to take charge has the blessing of the leading players and the IRL, but it also has former acting Prime Minister Semisi Sika as its newly elected chairman.

Mr Sika was president of a previous incarnation of the TNRL, a body which was sacked by the courts last year.

 

[blue bags]

and the updates ??