The Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) has called a Special General Meeting to address financial reporting and elect two remaining board members, shortly after Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua publicly raised concerns about the union’s governance and failure to hold an annual general meeting.
As reported by Kaniva News last night, Lord Fakafanua said he had yet to hear of TRU holding its constitutionally required AGM. He said the Government expected transparency and accountability from the union because it received public funding to support rugby.
A notice issued by TRU acting chief executive David Edwards today said the Special General Meeting would be held at Mele Siuʻilikutapu Hall in Halaʻano at 6pm on Friday, October 9.
The meeting will consider the union’s 2024 audited financial statements, receive an update on the progress and status of its 2025 financial audit, and elect two remaining board members.
However, the notice describes the gathering as a Special General Meeting rather than an annual general meeting.
Under Clause 5.2.3 of the TRU Constitution, business at the meeting will be restricted to the three matters listed in the notice.
TRU said at least two-thirds of eligible representatives must be present to constitute a quorum, while proxies will not be permitted.
The election of the two board members will be conducted by secret ballot and preferential voting.
TRU said members should receive relevant biographical information, employment histories and curricula vitae for the nominated candidates in accordance with the constitution.
Nominations must be submitted in writing to the TRU office at the FWC Building in Fasi-moe-Afi, or by email, no later than 4pm on Thursday, October 8.
Accountability concerns
Lord Fakafanua, who said he serves as TRU president under its constitution, told Tonga Broadcasting Commission chief executive Viola Ulakai that the Government was taking a firm position on the union’s governance and accountability.
He said TRU was required to demonstrate that government funding had been used properly and in accordance with good-governance policies.
The Prime Minister said this was important because proper governance and accountability would enable the Government to continue providing financial support to rugby.
He expressed hope that TRU would address the situation and put its affairs in order.
TRU’s website says its annual report is presented at its AGM following the end of its financial year on December 31.
The union publicly announced an AGM for May 17, 2024, but Kaniva News has not located a corresponding public notice or report confirming that an AGM was held in 2025 or 2026.
TRU has previously faced financial and governance difficulties. World Rugby suspended its funding in 2020 pending reforms addressing administrative problems, outstanding legal matters and the absence of appropriately audited financial statements.
Funding was later reinstated through a tripartite agreement involving World Rugby, the Tongan Government and TRU, with a joint committee established to oversee governance, financial arrangements and high-performance programmes.
