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International Rugby League has welcomed Tonga Rugby League XIII as the official governing body for the game in Tonga.
The decision to formally recognise TRLXIII ensures stability for the game in the Pacific Nation after the expulsion of Tonga as an IRL member in 2019.
TRLXIII has recruited a well-balanced, elite Board of Directors that caters for every layer of Tongan Rugby League.
The Board has led consultations with the government, which has also corresponded separately with IRL. The new body has the support of local clubs in Tonga and the National Team, which will play in RLWC2026 under the leadership of TRLXIII.
TRLXIII will also oversee the Tonga Women’s Team playing in Pacific Championship qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this year.
IRL Chair Troy Grant said: “The formalisation of TRLXIII, run by a high quality board, as the governing body in Tonga it’s a huge step forward for the growth of the game domestically and preparation of the National Teams for the 2026 World Cup.
“TRLXIII’s constitution, organisational structure, elected Board, National Team and support of local clubs suggests that it will be stable and productive.
“The Board of TRLXIII will be chaired by Lord Fakafanua, who is the Speaker of Parliament in Tonga, and includes independent directors, and representatives of the National Team and the local clubs.
“I thank the Government of Tonga for their support since 2019, particularly at the last World Cup in 2022, and look forward to the ongoing support of Tonga’s wonderful Men’s and Women’s Teams at the upcoming Pacific Championships.”
www.intrl.sport
The decision to formally recognise TRLXIII ensures stability for the game in the Pacific Nation after the expulsion of Tonga as an IRL member in 2019.
TRLXIII has recruited a well-balanced, elite Board of Directors that caters for every layer of Tongan Rugby League.
The Board has led consultations with the government, which has also corresponded separately with IRL. The new body has the support of local clubs in Tonga and the National Team, which will play in RLWC2026 under the leadership of TRLXIII.
TRLXIII will also oversee the Tonga Women’s Team playing in Pacific Championship qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this year.
IRL Chair Troy Grant said: “The formalisation of TRLXIII, run by a high quality board, as the governing body in Tonga it’s a huge step forward for the growth of the game domestically and preparation of the National Teams for the 2026 World Cup.
“TRLXIII’s constitution, organisational structure, elected Board, National Team and support of local clubs suggests that it will be stable and productive.
“The Board of TRLXIII will be chaired by Lord Fakafanua, who is the Speaker of Parliament in Tonga, and includes independent directors, and representatives of the National Team and the local clubs.
“I thank the Government of Tonga for their support since 2019, particularly at the last World Cup in 2022, and look forward to the ongoing support of Tonga’s wonderful Men’s and Women’s Teams at the upcoming Pacific Championships.”
