Tonga's prime minister Lord Tu'ivakano won praise in parliament for inclusion of former captain Nili Latu in rugby union world cup squad

The deputy chairman of the Tonga Rugby Union Authority 'Aminiasi Kefu has assured the International Rugby Board that there is no political interference with the TRUA. But that is at odd with what happened in parliament. On Tuesday several MPs demanded the inclusion of Nili Latu in Tonga's squad. On Wednesday the prime minister informed the House that it is a done deal and the TRUA has let Latu in. That is political interference in my book. All Wednesday Tu'ivakano was feted in parliament; a poem was recited in his honour; the benevolence of his ancestors was highlighted; and his leadership qualities exalted. Member of parliament and ex-local rugby supremo Sangster Saulala pointed out to Tu'ivakano that he too had struggled against the IRB. The Nili Latu affair is the creation of head coach 'Isitolo Maka, who seem to talk out of the two corners of his mouth. In a newspaper interview a few weeks ago he expressed his satisfaction with regular no. 7 Sione Vaiomo'unga's performance in the Pacific Nations Cup. Even the Fiji TV rugby commentator spoke highly of the very physical attribute of his game. However after playing in the first test against Fiji, Vaiomo'unga suddenly fell out of favour. Some reports suggest that Maka had held talks with Latu prior to the two tests; and Vaiomo'unga's fall from grace and Latu's recall were mere formalities. The TRUA had then overruled Maka and Vaiomo'unga was again selected. But following the PM's intervention, Latu is now in the extended squad. And racist parliamentary speaker Lasike told Radio Tonga that the "Nili Latu case is settled." As a non-rugby fan I do not understand what all the fuss is about for according to former All Black and educator John Graham, rugby union matches are won and lost by the quality of possession from the tight five!