Tonga Rugby Union has continued its positive growth which has seen the opening of a new office in Nuku’alofa on May 8 by Hon Salote Lupepau’u.
As well as providing new facilities for the existing management team, including a new Board room and new administration offices, the union is looking to the future, with plans to soon add new sports science centre. This will enable the union to have space for full time physios and doctors, allowing as focus on ongoing player health and wellbeing. This will also align with World Rugby’s emphasis on player protection and health.
As part of the opening ceremony Hon. Salote Lupepau’u emphasised the importance of working together as a Union on and off the field, and took time to wish the Ikaletahi a successful World Cup campaign this year.
As part of the opening ceremonies distinguished guests were also introduced to the newly developed Tonga Rugby Union website. The website is an addition to the TRU database that was launched last year, which maintains all registered players data and information, and can be utilised to track all Tongan players movement worldwide. These details are updated daily by the respective players clubs, and includes vital information such as players form and their fitness. This will further aid TRU making informed decision in team selection, and the maintenance of players welfare.
As well as providing up to date news and event information, the newly launched website will provide TRU strategic plan and vision, the constitution and the financial audit report for public and fans to see. As part of the ongoing development of the social media platforms the third phase of development is the new apps for android and apple for all the fans worldwide, which will be available to download before the Rugby World Cup and enable an even more fan engagement. These new developments will generate much needed revenue to the Union.
To further strengthen the vision of player welfare the ceremony also saw the TRU Board formally endorse the new TRU Players Benevolent Funds. This funding will aid players that suffers career ending injuries or unforeseen illnesses. This has been particularly highlighted by players like Sione Vaiomo’unga, who suffered life threatening kidney failure while playing for a Romanian club side. TRU President Epi Taione addressed the issues of player welfare stating “Tongan Rugby Union acknowledges that the welfare and well being of our Tongan players is a top priority for our future.” Taione also acknowledged previous players who have had health issues adding “On behalf of TRU I would like to apologise to all the players that have suffered career ending injuries in the past and feel as if TRU have neglected them. We as a union will be reviewing historical cases of injury and illness, and where possible will extend our assistance the player affected.” The fund of £12k(30k TOP) to open the account donated by the Board.
Tongan Deputy Prime Minister Hon Siaosi Sovaleni spoke warmly of the moves by TRU saying “It’s a great day for TRU and a positive move in the right direction. If we are to be competitive in the world stage, we have to prioritise looking after our most valuable product, our players.”
Fuka Kitekeiaho TRU CEO extended his thanks he thank all of the sponsors that assisted in the building of office, especially EM Jones ltd, Tongapower, Southpac Builders, Nishi Trading, APCO Paints, Rotomould Pacific, Sitaleki Electrician Services, Popao and PTH Timber and Hardware.
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