Opinion: How Power and Greed Are Undermining Tongan Rugby League
Recent developments in Tongan Rugby League have raised significant concerns among fans and stakeholders. What should have been a golden era, fuelled by grassroots passion and national pride, is now overshadowed by decisions that, in my view, prioritise personal gain over the sport’s development in Tonga.
For years, it seems that certain decisions by the International Rugby League (IRL) and some local figures have not aligned with the best interests of Tongan rugby league. It appears that financial interests have, at times, overshadowed the need to nurture the grassroots, which form the foundation of the sport. These concerns have been exacerbated by perceptions that the sport’s management has become disconnected from the community that has historically supported and sustained it.
From my perspective, Tongan leadership has not provided the support rugby league deserves. Reports suggest that key figures in the government may have neglected their duties in this area, potentially contributing to the challenges the sport now faces. The Minister of Sports, for example, seems to have been less active in supporting rugby league and standing up to the IRL who are determined to take control of the international team, while Speaker of the House, Lord Fakafanua, has been perceived by some as not prioritising the sport.
The recent formation of a new governing body for rugby league in Tonga, led by Lord Fakafanua and his associates, raises questions about their suitability for this role. Although they have taken on the responsibility of steering the sport forward, I am concerned that their limited direct experience in rugby league may hinder their ability to address the sport’s unique challenges in Tonga.
The upcoming game between the Kiwis and the Tongan Rugby League XIII on November 2, 2024, in Auckland is already fraught with uncertainty. Without the passionate fanbase that has traditionally rallied behind the “Mate Ma’a Tonga” brand, the event’s financial success is far from guaranteed. The iconic branding and the support it commands are, in my opinion, crucial to the match’s impact. The “Mate Ma’a Tonga” name, which belongs to the Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL), has been central to Tongan rugby league since its inception in 1986. However, the history and legacy of the game in Tonga have been undermined by greed, replaced by what the IRL calls “a well-balanced elite board of directors that caters to every layer of Tonga Rugby League.” This new body, however, does not run any competitions in Tonga. They claim to have representatives selected by clubs, yet these two clubs do not exist and have not fielded a team in the last three years in the local competition.
While the IRL has officially recognized Tonga Rugby League XIII (TRLXIII) as the new governing body, I believe this decision does not fully reflect the grassroots reality. TRLXIII’s focus seems to be more on the national team, with less attention given to the local clubs that form the backbone of Tongan rugby league. Meanwhile, the TNRL continues to work closely with these local clubs, organising events like the TNRL Cup to keep the sport connected to its community roots.
As Tonga prepares for the RLWC2026 under this new body, the question remains: Will the heart and soul of Tongan rugby league be restored, or will the sport continue to be used as a vehicle for financial gain rather than community enrichment? From my perspective, the message from Tongan fans around the world is clear: They stand with “Mate Ma’a Tonga,” the symbol of their passion and pride. I hope that all involved—whether in government, the IRL, or within Tonga itself—will recognise the importance of supporting grassroots rugby league and the values that “Mate Ma’a Tonga” represents.
