Mystery remains over reasons for Tuqiri sacking

Lote Tuqiri and his representatives have declined to take up an invitation from Australian rugby boss John O’Neill to make public details of the incident which resulted in the Wallaby winger’s contract being torn up.

O’Neill again refused to disclose the reason for Tuqiri’s sacking at a tense media conference on Thursday, at which he said it was up to Tuqiri or his management to reveal what had happened.

Bailed up by reporters at the front of his Sydney home, Tuqiri refused to shed any light on what had led to his sacking.

“It’s a legal matter. It’s with the lawyers,” he said.

“It’s a contract dispute and we’re going from there.”

“I have a really supportive family which is really good and a wife and kids who love me and I love them.

“Thanks for your support and hopefully you’ll see me playing somewhere soon.

Earlier O’Neill had said: “Lote Tuqiri and his management are aware of the reasons for the termination.

“If they want to discuss the situation with you (the media) we have no problem with that.”

O’Neill stone-walled the majority of questions at the media conference, continually answering questions with the mantra: “Lote’s contract has been terminated, we have no further comment.”

But he did confirm Tuqiri’s behaviour was not a police matter, other players were not involved, the winger had received a warning in writing in 2007 and that Super 14 franchise NSW had been consulted and agreed with the decision.

The ARU chief executive and managing director also denied the sacking was part of a personal agenda or an attempt to rein in costs.

Asked if he had a personal agenda against the 67-Test veteran, O’Neill said: “That’s ridiculous, completely. That’s completely untrue and anyone who suggests that should think again.”

Of Tuqiri’s massive salary – reportedly $700,000 a year plus third-party deals – he said: “That wasn’t part of our consideration.”

When it was suggested the termination must have been the result of a significant issue, O’Neill said: “Cleary the decision to terminate a contract is one that requires a lot of consideration.

“We gave that consideration and reached the conclusion with our eyes wide open.”

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans denied Tuqiri’s non-selection for Australia’s first four internationals this year had been designed to phase the 29-year-old out.

“Lote was in the squad previously so … he would have been considered (for the Tri-Nations series beginning later this month),” he said.

The ongoing mystery resulted in guarded comments from the Waratahs and the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA), while most former Wallaby greats contacted refused to comment until the reason for the sacking was known.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said he was yet to contact Tuqiri.

“Lote’s career at the Waratahs and his performance over that period of time speaks for itself,” was as far as his praise went.

RUPA boss Tony Dempsey hit out at the ARU for failing to inform him of the decision, which he learned about on Wednesday night through a call from AAP.

“I would have thought the ARU would have extended us the courtesy of advising us of their actions before advising the general public,” he said.

“(Tuqiri) has proved to be a strong role model in the community at large, as typified by his ambassador roles in (a number of) charities.”

“A lot of the team members of his that I’ve spoken to are quite bewildered and astonished by it as well.

“They saw him as a good leader within the team, a good role model and a valuable contributor.”

Asked if he had concerns the ARU had been looking for a way to cut Tuqiri loose, Dempsey said: “I don’t know the answer to it but I’ve certainly had a lot of people ask me that question.”

Tuqiri’s options for the future appeared to narrow to French or Japanese rugby, with nearly all NRL clubs saying they would not be able to fit him under the salary cap despite league boss David Gallop flagging the possibility of him playing after the June 30 contracts deadline.

What they said about Lote Tuqiri’s sacking:

“It’s a legal matter. It’s with the lawyers. It’s a contract dispute and we’re going from there. I have a really supportive family which is really good and a wife and kids who love me and I love them. Thanks for your support and hopefully you’ll see me playing somewhere soon.” – TUQIRI himself, bailed up outside his home by reporters.

“Lote’s contract has been terminated, we have no further comment.” – ARU boss JOHN O’NEILL, at least half a dozen times at Thursday’s media conference.

“Clearly the decision to terminate a contract is one that requires a lot of consideration. We gave that consideration and reached the conclusion with our eyes wide open.” – The closest O’NEILL came to giving a reason why.

“That’s ridiculous, completely. That’s completely untrue and anyone who suggests that should think again.” – O’NEILL denies he has waged a personal war against Tuqiri.

“I’ve got two young boys and he’s always been the pin-up boy and whenever he gets the ball it’s exciting for the young fellas. That’s the only loss I think.” – Former Wallabies captain NICK FARR-JONES waves Tuqiri goodbye.

“I’m just dumbfounded because he’s been a wonderful ambassador for rugby league and rugby union. All I’d say (to Tuqiri) is ‘you are 29, stay strong, you know who your family and friends are through a pretty tough time’.” – Former Wallabies and Brisbane Broncos teammate WENDELL SAILOR, whose contract was also terminated by the ARU.

“Lote was in the squad previously so … he would have been considered.” – Wallabies coach ROBBIE DEANS denies Tuqiri was being phased out by not playing any of Australia’s opening four internationals this season.

“Lote’s career at the Waratahs and his performance over that period of time speaks for itself.” NSW Waratahs coach CHRIS HICKEY.

“I would have thought the ARU would have extended us the courtesy of advising us of their actions before advising the general public.” – Rugby Union Players’ Association boss TONY DEMPSEY after learning of the sacking on Wednesday night through a call from AAP.

“I don’t mind the old fellows, there’s plenty in the NRL doing a good job.” – Broncos coach IVAN HENJAK shows his interest in Tuqiri returning to the NRL club.

“He’d have to be paid about a fifth of what he’s currently being paid and do five times more work.” – Bulldogs chief executive TODD GREENBERG makes an offer.

“Too many zeros in the number he needs.” – Sydney Roosters boss STEVE NOYCE. But surely that hasn’t stopped the Roosters before?

NRL CLUBS INTEREST IN PURSUING SACKED WALLABY LOTE TUQIRI
YES
- Titans: “If he wanted to come back to Queensland and play in Queensland we’d love to talk to him” – Michael Searle, CEO

MAYBE
- Dragons: Did not rule out possible negotiations.

NO
- Broncos: “Anything we’re able to offer Lote would be an insult” – Bruno Cullen, CEO
- Bulldogs: “He’d have to be paid about a fifth of what he’s currently being paid and do five times more work” – Todd Greenberg, CEO
- Raiders: Not interested
- Sharks: Not interested
- Sea Eagles: Not interested
- Storm: “We only see Lote as a winger and we’re not chasing wingers.” – Frank Ponissi, football manager
- Knights: “It’s way out of our price bracket, out of our salary cap range.” – Warren Smiles, football manager
- Warriors: “It would be stretching the imagination to say we’ve got a definite interest.” – Wayne Scurrah, CEO
- Cowboys: “Our hands are tied in terms of the salary cap.” – Peter Parr, CEO
- Eels: “Our salary cap position would currently exclude us from making a serious offer for Lote.” – Andrew Hill, football manager
- Panthers: “What we would have to offer him, we wouldn’t embarrass him by doing it.” – Michael Leary, CEO
- Rabbitohs: “We’ve gone in a different direction.” – Shane Richardson, CEO
- Roosters: “Too many zeros in the number he needs.” – Steve Noyce, CEO
- Tigers: “We’re struggling to make ends meet at the moment, so it’s a definite no.” – Alan Mair, football manager.

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