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Australia’s misbehaving rugby stars have been put on notice by new Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie – honour the jersey or find yourself out of the team.
Several off-field incidents have marred the 2013 rugby season in Australia, with stars such as Digby Ioane, Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor all finding themselves in hot water at different times.
And during McKenzie’s unveiling as Robbie Deans’ successor, Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver confirmed two players had missed the bus for last week’s final training session ahead of the crucial series-deciding clash with the British and Irish Lions in Sydney.
While McKenzie says he doesn’t want to have to wield a “big stick” when it comes to enforcing discipline, the 1991 World Cup winner is clear his players will be made aware of their responsibilities as national representatives.
“Getting clarity around what’s expected at the Wallaby level is critical,” McKenzie said.
“I am an ex-Wallaby so I have a very strong opinion about what that means.
“I understand what it takes, the sacrifices you need to make, to be successful at that level.
“I’ll make it quite clear what I think it means to be a Wallaby and the sacrifices you need to make.”
Pulver said team discipline was a “key” issue which had already been discussed with McKenzie and drafting behaviour guidelines would be one of the new coach’s first roles.
McKenzie has been widely lauded for his ability to connect with players under his charge during his time at the Queensland Reds, including mercurial No.10 Quade Cooper – frozen out by Deans following a Twitter outburst last year.
The 48-year-old says his approach to discipline is a basic one.
“Players have a pretty simple life. They’ve got to contribute their skills but I’ll ask them to wear the right clothes, do the right thing, turn up at the right time. It won’t be too complicated,” he said.
“The only opportunity you get to play for the Wallabies is if the Wallaby coach chooses you to play and from there it’s a week-to-week contract.
“If you’re not doing the right thing at the right time well that week-to-week contract might not be there.
“I want players to step up and be proud of the opportunity, I don’t want to make it an opportunity that everyone gets easily. When you’re there, you’ve got to make the most of it.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.