The Tongan government says it didn't pressure members into electing the Prime Minister and his deputy onto the Tonga Rugby Union executive.
The Tongan team huddle together following their Rugby World Cup defeat to Argentina. Photo: AFP
'Akilisi Pohiva and Siaosi Sovaleni were appointed honourary President and Chair of the TRU at a meeting last month.
The former Interim Chair and President, Fe'ao Vunipola, will fill the role of Deputy Chair.
Tonga's Minister for Sport, Fe'ao Vakata, said the appointments was made by the local rugby community.
"If they agree for government to be Chair and Honourary President we will go with it, it's alright. We didn't go and walk into the meeting and demand they appoint them to the positions. I think that's their views from the clubs and their representatives."
Fe'ao Vakata said the appointments are another positive step forward for rugby in Tonga, following the signing of a tripartite agreement between the Government, Tonga Rugby Union and World Rugby.
However, the appointments could yet be overturned with a court hearing scheduled for later this month to determine whether the meeting was held in breach of the Union's constitution.