The dramatic saga developing at the Brumbies has taken a new twist this week with the Daily Telegraph reporting that CEO Michael Jones has launched a workplace investigation into the conduct of players Stephen Moore and Scott Fardy.
Jones has been in the process of what looks to be a messy break-up with the Brumbies over the past month, and just a short time ago won a court battle to retain his job under temporary whistleblower protection despite the intention of the Brumbies board to stand him down.
He has since been in mediation with the Brumbies board as they look to finalise a deal that would see him step away from the team, but while there was some speculation on Friday that this was nearing fruition, this new development casts further doubt on that.
While the Brumbies have attempted to keep the in-office drama from affecting the team’s competitive ability in this 2016 Super Rugby season, the launching of an investigation against two players including the captain will break down that barrier and could cause problems on field.
That’s a real problem as the Brumbies this week come up against the reigning Super Rugby champions the Highlanders in a match that could prove vital to their fortunes this season.
Jones said in a radio interview in March “If I go to war it’s going to be ugly, and there’s going to be a lot of people who are going to get burnt by it.” So far, he is certainly living up to that promise, and causing plenty of headaches for the Brumbies.
At this stage however it seems likely that he will eventually walk away from his position, given he has now alienated both the board and the playing group. The remaining question is, how will it happen, and how much more damage will be caused before it does?
gatesy
Roar Guru
From what little of it I have read (now as an outsider) he strikes me as the sort of bloke who can't wait to write his "tell all" expose. I hope the lawyers put a good release, indemnity and confidentiality undertaking in his separation agreement.
ebop
Guest
Seems like one to me mate. I bet he kisses mirrors as well.
Jake
Guest
Ah, the good old buzzword - narcissist. You should really understand its meaning before using it
Cynical Play
Roar Rookie
Jones is a wrecker and best gone.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
And after writing the above, I read that Jones has stepped down in a confidential agreement with the board. Now what about the missing $7 million?
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Workplace Conduct sounds like the charge is bullying. Pretty strange that the machiavellian scheming between the Board, the CEO and the 6 local clubs that own the franchise should now swallow two of the senior players. If this charge against S.Moore and S.Fardy has been brewing for a while, it explains the lethargic display by the Brumbies over the last few weeks. Jones has protection from the court and this latest move of his will really stir up bitterness and wounds, and the board cannot sack him. With so little information, who know who is right or wrong, its even possible both sides have acted rightly and wrongly. I heard that 2 weeks ago a meeting was called between the owner clubs to sort out some of the board issues and only 3 of them bothered to show up. No quorum meant no discussion. That rings alarm bells if there is a dispute between the owner clubs. I just hope for Australian Rugby this whole dispute is sorted out and fast or it could be bye bye Brumbies followed by lots of litigation.
Marius Ciliers
Roar Guru
It saddens me. As does the Kings Cheeky saga. I sincerely hope that his comment on "If I go to War" is based on him doing his job right,finding indescrepincies. Shining a light on it and being attacked because of it. And then only "Going to War" because it is a realy big key issue with major consequences involved. And not just a case of him not getting his way or lashing out. I dont have all the facts. But at this stage it really appears as if his only loyalty is towards himself. Then the question begs.. What if he is right? As Paul commented. And there is a cancer inside the Brumbies. Off immense scale,and given his job description it is his duty to the team and franchise to oversee and confront such matters. The media coverage protects him to a point and shines a horrid light on events,but likewise pits him as the villain. Or he is a Narcasist and overstepped his boundaries and needs to be sacked. Personaly. At this point. Keep the players out of it. Keep the player support in tact and give them hope and re-assurance. Have contracts signed with them idemnifying them or something to give them peace of mind. With the public and media perceptions and knock that the Brumbies franchise name is taking in the media. An independant external investigation needs to be launched by ARU and or Brumbies. With strict mediation regulations put in place by court order. And have that run its path behind the scenes as to resolve the issue at hand and safe face for the Brumbie Franchise name and have the daily Run off things continue so the players can do what they love and do best. Play footy. As i said. Dont know all the facts. Am not a Brumbie supporter. But i love Rugby. And this situation saddens me. Hope they resolve this quickly.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Or AAC and his cohorts in 2011. Only difference is that Gregan and co won the 2004 Super 12 trophy.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Correct. If Jones leaves, this will be buried. Something stinks here, and as a member of longstanding, the lack of information and clarity on what is being investigated is frankly appalling. The board needs to open the whole saga to public scrutiny, if they don't, then resign or risk the alienation of your membership.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Jesus wept, this guy is utterly toxic. Get him away from Australian Rugby as a matter of priority !
Paul
Guest
Based on what? How would you conduct yourself if your employer tried to knife you and continues to sharpen blades? If Moore and Fardy have questions to answer then they should be called out.
ebop
Guest
Sounds like a bit of a narcissist. Unfortunate for the Brumbies :(
chucked
Guest
only at the Brumbies..or have people forgotten what prima Donna Gregan and cohorts did?.
Johnny Boy Jnr
Guest
Easy solution. Replace this clown and the whole board. A new board is to appoint an external body to conduct a review into the murky sale of assets highlighted by Bozo. Keep Bill Pulver and any other Sydney based brokers way out of it as they've done enough damage to the national team (Wallatahs)
Machiavelli
Guest
The AFP investigation should be made public.
Loup
Guest
Oh dear. You have got to be joking.