The Reverend Tevita Lataialakepa has been appointed as the new chair of the Tonga Rugby Union Authority Board, replacing the Australian Bob Tuckey who quit last week.
Mr Tuckey's sudden departure came after a disagreement with the 'Ikale Tahi coach, 'Isitolo Maka over his wish to select flanker Nili Latu in his Rugby World Cup squad.
Late last week the 'Ikale Tahi team called on the Legislative Assembly not to remove Mr Tuckey, saying he'd done great work for the team but he has since quit and left the country.
Despite Mr Tuckey's resignation, the Board's deputy chair, Aminiasi Kefu, says Nili Latu will not be at the world cup.
"He's selected the team he wanted to pick, except for Nili Latu. But the board has considered that and made it's decision so Isitolo has accepted that decision."
Aminiasi Kefu says Tonga's Minister of Finance has indicated there will not be any further appointments to the board, leaving just four directors.
