The Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) Chairman ʻEpeli Taione has today announced the appointment of Mrs Emeline Tuita as the new Union’s Chief Executive Officer.
The announcement came after TRU board made their decision on January 11.
Seven candidates applied for the position where Fuka Kitekei’aho, Peni Fukofuka and ‘Emeline Tuita were shortlisted for the election.
Early last year TRU was warned by IRB after a long running feud between the board’s directors and Tongan rugby advocates saying that all assistance toward the development of Rugby in Tonga must come to an end if it could not formally act to sort out the dispute immediately.
A new constitution for an establishment of a new Tonga Rugby Union was unanimously adopted soon after in which it eventually allowed the official election of former ruby player Mr. ‘Epeli Taione to the chairman of the new TRU Administration by representatives from all local rugby union clubs.
In September 2012 TRU recruited a full coaching team for the national team ‘Ikale Tahi, headed by the newly appointed head coach Mana Otai and assisted by coaches Dave Ellis, Tim Lane and Mark Bakewell.
It was at this time announced that TRU was looking at negotiating a contract to appoint a new CEO.
The appointment has a one year contract open for extension based on performance.
‘Emeline was once Tonga’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.