Tonga’s Under 20s coach Fe’ao Vunipola has been fired in what he described as a result of his fight to achieve more opportunities for the local players .
The post is now given to Liueli Fusimalohi assisted by former ‘Ikale Tahi coach Kutusi Felea.
There was speculation that Vunipola was dismissed because he made comments against the Tonga Rugby Board on social media.
TRU has yet to release any official information regarding why Vunipola was sacked.
On Facebook, Vunipola said: “I was prepared to walk away thinking that we would achieve promotion last year but beaten by Japan in the final.
“Japan had been losing finalist for the last four years. That to me was a great achievement because we beat the USA who were the favourites in the tournament.
He also said: “This is the result of standing up for more opportunities for local players to make the Ikaletahi..allowing quarters that are used in South Africe [sic] to be utilised in Tonga and our Ikaletahi”.
Vunipola claimed he offered to work as coach for Tonga without pay.
