A former ‘Ikale Tahi coach and player, Quddus Fielea, has condemned the Tongatapu Rugby Union (TRU), accusing officials of failing to apply appropriate punishments to players accused of violence during recent matches.
It follows last month’s conviction and fines of a rugby player for the Liahona Old Boys, Afimeimo’unga Hola, after pleading guilty to charges of serious bodily harm and common assault of two rugby union referees. He was ordered to pay $4,500 to both victims.
Fielea, the current coach of the Kolomotu’a rugby team, spoke out this afternoon after images surfaced on social media showing rugby players fighting in mud during recent matches, igniting public anger.
The controversy stems from two high-profile incidents in recent weeks where players were subjected to brutal on-field attacks. However, the TRU dismissed formal complaints and allegedly sided with what Fielea had described as referees’ flawed decisions rather than enforce proper disciplinary measures.
During last Saturday’s match, a Kolomotu’a player was allegedly assaulted by members of the Marist Club, Fielea claimed.
Despite video evidence and a formal complaint, the TRU—led by a voting majority of club representatives—chose to accept the “referee’s decision to red card both the aggressor and the Kolomotu’a player, who was clearly acting in self-defense”, according to Fielea.
The week prior, a Ngeleʻia player was allegedly kicked in the head by a Toloa Old Boys (TOB) player while lying defenceless on the ground.
Fielea claimed the victim was red-carded for pointing out the offender, while the attacker escaped punishment. Despite supporting evidence, the TRU again dismissed the complaint, urging the club to “let it go,” Fielea said.
Fielea said: “It is deeply saddening to witness the stance taken by the Tongatapu Rugby Union meeting yesterday (10/06/2025) regarding a series of violent and unsportsmanlike incidents that have recently marred our local rugby competition.”
TRU could not be reached for comment.
World Rugby Regulations Flouted
Fielea said: “World Rugby’s disciplinary framework exists to uphold the integrity of the sport and to protect all players from intentional acts of foul play. Under World Rugby Regulation 17, serious offences such as punching, kicking, stamping, or striking an opponent are classified as acts of misconduct and can result in significant penalties”.
He said These range from a minimum suspension of 2 weeks for low end offenses, up to 52 weeks or more for top-end breaches involving intentional and dangerous contact.
“The framework also mandates that incidents involving foul play especially those missed or misjudged during the match must be subject to independent citing, investigation, and disciplinary hearings. These procedures are not optional; they are binding on all unions affiliated with World Rugby”.
He said the Kolomotu’a and Ngeleʻia clubs, backed by other concerned stakeholders, are demanding “immediate transparency and reform in disciplinary procedures.”
“My role as a coach is to protect the safety of my players in every way available, especially when decision-makers fail to apply the proper protocols”.
