NRLW premiership-winning coach John Strange will take charge of the Tonga women’s rugby league team for the upcoming Pacific Championships and 2026 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) qualifying matches. Strange, who coached the Sydney Roosters to their first NRLW premiership in 2021 and the 2022 minor premiership, brings a wealth of experience to the Tongan side.
Having served as a member of the Māori All Stars coaching staff for the past two seasons, Strange is passionate about international rugby league and closely followed the 2022 RLWC in England. His goal now is to guide Tonga women to the RLWC2026, which will be held in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Meanwhile, Tonga’s men’s team, coached by Kristian Woolf, is set to compete against Australia and New Zealand in the Pacific Championships in Brisbane, Auckland, and Sydney from late October to early November.
This coaching appointment comes on the heels of the International Rugby League’s recognition of Tonga Rugby League XIII as the official governing body for the sport in the country. Led by Lord Fakafanua, the organisation is poised to develop local clubs and strengthen Tonga’s presence on the international rugby league stage.
