Ikale Tahi Set to Host Three Nations and Queensland Reds Clash in 2024
The CEO of Tonga Rugby Football Union (TRFU) Mr. Aisea Aholeli has confirmed to Tonga Independent that the Ikale Tahi will be hosting three countries in Tonga this year as part of a revamped schedule for Pacific nations by World Rugby. The Queensland Reds are also scheduled to take on Tonga XV in July, with a date to be finalized.
When asked if the TRFU has finalized a new coach for the Ikale Tahi since Toutai Kefu vacated the position after the Rugby World Cup, Mr Aholelei said, “We are currently finalizing our shortlist and hope to have a candidate approved in our next board meeting in April.”
Mr Aholelei was also asked if World Rugby has the final say on who the coach is, as is the case with Fiji Rugby. This question arose in a recent press conference by Mr.
Peter Mazey, the chairman of Fiji Rugby, where he said, “There was a very strict agreement that was signed by World Rugby, the AG, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Fiji Rugby, and that gave World Rugby a lot of power over Fiji to have the say on who can and cannot be appointed.”
According to the Mr Aholelei, “World Rugby doesn’t have the final say, as it is the board who approves the selection, but they are part of the selection process since they will remunerate the head coach as part of their High-Performance investment.”
The confirmed tests for Teufaiva for 2024 are as follows:
Italy: Friday, July 12
Spain: Friday, July 19
Fiji: September 6
Queensland Reds vs Tonga XV
26th July TBC
