Greg Growden | August 25, 2009
LOTE TUQIRI cannot play for the fifth Australian Super franchise, but is able to head overseas or return to the NRL after the former Wallabies winger yesterday ended his court action against the Australian and NSW rugby unions.
After the ARU terminated Tuqiri’s contract due to an alleged breach of protocol resulting from an incident at the Wallabies team hotel in Canberra in June, the proceedings went to the Supreme Court. Tuqiri took action against the ARU and NSWRU alleging unfair dismissal, but all parties objected to details being released.
The ARU and Tuqiri met for mediation last Friday. ARU chief executive John O’Neill and the union’s legal team met Tuqiri and his legal representatives before a former judge to nut out a financial settlement and a confidentiality clause that prevents both parties divulging the reason for Tuqiri’s dismissal. Tuqiri then ended his action against the ARU and NSWRU.
O’Neill told the Herald last night that the ARU ”had reached a settlement with Lote which we believe is in the best interests of the game”.
”We’ve always been comfortable with our original decision involving Lote, but it is not in the best interest of rugby to see a dispute of this nature being dragged through the courts for the next 12 months,” O’Neill said. ”And this enables everyone to get on with their lives. The mediation in the end was an agreed position, and I understand he [Tuqiri] is happy with the outcome.”
After 67 Test appearances, Tuqiri’s professional rugby days in Australia are over. O’Neill said despite Tuqiri being linked to the fifth Australian franchise in an expanded Super 15 tournament from 2011, he would not be allowed to play for that team or any other Australian professional side. Tuqiri will be able to play rugby at club level as an amateur or overseas as a professional.
”The answer over whether Lote can play for the fifth Super Rugby team in Australia is no,” O’Neill said. ”Lote had a contract with the ARU and NSWRU which expired at the end of 2012. That contract has been terminated. Therefore in terms of the future, the standard contract for any Super rugby player in Australia requires the ARU to be a party to that contract. In the circumstances, we do not believe … there is a place for Lote in professional rugby in Australia.”
Several NRL clubs and overseas rugby sides have already been linked with the 29-year-old dual international.
Tuqiri could not be contacted last night but posted on Twitter: ”Great to have settled today! Happy with the outcome, now I can move on with my future. Thanks for your support tweeps! Where to play????”
Dronk JAN
This also from rugbyheaven…
One-time All Black Sosene Anesi has been signed to fill the hole left by sacked Wallaby Lote Tuqiri for the NSW Waratahs in next year’s Super 14 rugby competition.
The Chiefs speedster was unveiled as the Waratahs marquee overseas import and outside back replacement for Tuqiri.
Koos, I heard the same story from 2 seperate sources here in Sydney as Lote plays his club rugby nearby, and the offence is something the ARU will never want to publish if it’s true, but if I mention it here I’ll be sued.
As I say it’s only hearsay, but from 2 very different sources with the same story.
I am intrigued, what did the oke do?
3 @Manlybok Nou wat nou? I will not push you on an open forum…maar jy laat mens wonder!
@Manlybok –
How will anyone find out you mentioned it? Big Brother watching?
Koos, I’ll send it to you, but dont print it boet, it’s only hearsay.
Rassie should buy him.
@Manlybok – You have to give us a taste.
My guess is he was found passed out dressed in a kangaroo outfit and high heels.
7 @Manlybok Even if I say a friend of a friend said a little birdie told him…nah, don’t worry, won’t do it!
@Predawn – My guess is that he was found to be practicing the kick and chase meathod used by the Boks and not the ball in hand approach so loved by the Aussies.
13 @Loosehead Ja well, that will teach him, how dare he try and play winning rugby?!
@Loosehead –
He has long since lost the ability to catch his own kicks. He does fall very well though.
#10 Predawn, bwahahahahaha
Although I think that would be considered an honourable pursuit over here.
Come on..he’s shite. Three seasons ago he was the business.
@Koos –
This also from rugbyheaven…
One-time All Black Sosene Anesi has been signed to fill the hole left by sacked Wallaby Lote Tuqiri…
Whoa!! Fill the hole????
3@Manlybok –
Just use the words “unconfirmed”, “allegedly”, etc. etc.
@Predawn – Which is why Rassie will buy him.
Keep waiting for someone to drop a hint about what his great shame was? Was there a sheep involved? Did he sell out to bookmakers? Did he cheat on his taxes? No-one knows.
Wonder what it was ? Why dont WP try and contract him ? LOL
@sparty – No good rumours to float? I understand no sheep or kangaroos involved. Could I be wrong? 🙂
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