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ARU STATEMENT ON LOTE TUQIRI AND MATT DUNNING
Australian Rugby Union Managing Director & CEO John O’Neill this afternoon met with Lote Tuqiri and Matt Dunning to discuss their conduct in Brisbane last week, following a Wallabies training camp.
During the course of the meeting, John O’Neill issued both players with an official warning regarding their conduct.
The official warning includes a midnight curfew for both players during the Rugby World Cup and at all related training camps prior to the tournament.
Mr O’Neill said the players’ conduct was a very serious matter, particularly in light of the high standards required of them as Wallabies.
“The ARU has made it abundantly clear to both players how disappointed we are that they put themselves in harm’s way and that the warning they have been issued should not be taken lightly,” Mr O’Neill said.
“Being a Wallaby is an honour, not a right.
“These individuals are looked up to by the community and there are high standards they are expected to meet.
“Exposing themselves, the team and the game to intense and unnecessary scrutiny and criticism clearly does not meet these standards.
“We have told the players in no uncertain terms that this is a very serious warning they have been issued and that they should be very mindful of their conduct in the future, as a repeat of this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“I expect today’s meeting and the subsequent warning will serve as a strong reminder of their responsibilities.”
The midnight curfew was recommended following a meeting which included National Coach John Connolly, Wallaby Captain Stirling Mortlock, Team Manager Phil Thomson, Assistant Team Manager Chris Webb, ARU Head of Legal Nick Weeks and ARU General Manager High Performance Unit Pat Howard.
An alcohol ban has not been placed on either player, however Mr O’Neill said he had emphasised to the players the need to exercise good judgement and discretion in regard to drinking.
The ARU will make no further comment on this matter.
Was the wait worth it - Ya betta baby 
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Originally Posted by Seldom
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