In February 2020, Tonga National Rugby League were expelled from the International Rugby League (IRL)[3] following refusal to enact necessary changes after the conclusion of an investigation by the IRL.[4] Said investigation came after Semisi Sika, then acting Prime Minister of Tonga, wrote to IRL expressing concerns that he had lost confidence in the governing body.[5] The expulsion did not affect the national team as the IRL had ordered Tonga to fulfil a fixture with Great Britain which was arranged before the investigation, setting a precedent for future matches,[5] a game which Tonga National Rugby League wanted removed from official test records (despite winning) as they were not governing the national team.[6]
In Autumn 2023, Tonga became the first Pacific Island Nation to tour a European Nation with their tour of England.[7]
On 22 August 2024, Tonga were re admitted to the IRL under the new governance of Tonga Rugby League XIII.[8]
There are 10 first division sides in the Global Insurance Cup and there are 9 in the second division. Only Kolomu'a Warriors (One of two Nuku'alofa Clubs) and the Vaini Doves have first and second division sides. The First Division sides have been, to a greater extent, regular participants in the competition since the inception of League in 1988. Those sides are Kolomu'a, Vaini, Mu'a Saints, Silapeluua (Ha'ateiho) Crusaders, Lapaha Knights, Ha'akame Broncos, Hihifo Rovers, Havelu Bulldogs, Halaloto Barbarians and Nakolo Raiders. The Second Division consists of a number of clubs that have participated infrequently over a number of years. However, regulars in the Second Division are Fatumu, Ha'ateiho Spartans and Ngalukilo Stormers.
The most recent competition (2013) was won by the Kolomua Warriors who defeated the Ha'akame Broncos in the grand final at Teufaiva Stadium in front of approximately 2 000 spectators.
School Competition
Secondary Schools Competition started in 2007 with 5 teams in the under 18s competition and 8 teams in the Under 16s. Takuilau High School won the Under 18s competition and Liahona High School won the Under 16s competition. It is the largest number of teams and players participating in rugby league in Tongan history, with the National Schools Committee starting the Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 15s in 2008.
In 2013 the Secondary Schools Competition featured 8 schools with teams competing in Under 13s, Under 15s, Under 17's and Open's competitions. Tupou High School finished open age champions with Tonga College winning the U17's and Tupou College winning the Under 15's and U13's competition. Primary school rugby league was also introduced with Maufanga/Fanga and ACTS Community School winning the inaugural tournaments.
TNRL estimate that there are roughly 1,500 players playing rugby league in Tonga for 2007.[10]
