A long-running struggle for control of the Tongan Rugby Union has taken a new turn with the appointment, by the nation's Supreme Court, of Sione Taumoepeau as union chairman.
The ruling of Acting Chief Justice Warwick Andrew reinstating former chair Taumoepeau follows broadcaster Sangstar Saulala's election as chairman at the union's annual meeting in early February.
Saulala chaired the union until his four-year term expired after the 2007 Rugby World Cup. After a period outside of the role, he was re-elected this month with the support of most Tongan clubs.
Tamumeopeau and board member Mark Holjensen challenged the election through the Supreme Court at Nuku'alofa which released its judgment on Feb. 17.
Justice Andrew's ruling, overturning an interim order restoring Saulala to the board, has now taken effect and Taumoepeau has taken over as chairman.
Des Carter, the International Rugby Board administrator for Tonga, told the Matangi Tonga web site the Tongan Rugby Union should now call another annual meeting under Taumoepeau to elect a board.
"The meeting is to duly appoint the Board of Directors and this should take place ... within 20 days," he said.
The dispute over the chairmanship and board membership predates the 2007 World Cup and has seen rival factions attempt to stage meetings at the union's offices. The website of the IRB continues to list Tuivanuavou Vaca as union chairman.
Sapa-AP - Rugbyweek.com
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