Tonga kicked out

Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) has one week to appeal its expulsion from the International Rugby League (IRL). After months of dispute between Tongan players, coaches and the board over finances and resources, the IRL has confirmed it voted at a board meeting this week to expel the TNRL as issues remain unresolved. ‘‘The directors carefully considered the position of Tonga National Rugby League which has been suspended since October 2019, in the light of a wide-ranging consultation with stakeholders in the Tongan game,’’ an IRL statement said. ‘‘After that meeting, the board wrote to TNRL, advising them of the resolution passed at that meeting, which is to expel TNRL from the membership.