Wallabies seek clarity on Tuqiri sacking -
July 9, 2009 - 5:10PM
Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock says his players are seeking certainty and clarification over the sacking of former teammate Lote Tuqiri, but it is now an issue for the Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA).
With speculation continuing over the reason for Tuqiri's contract termination, RUPA on Wednesday announced they were launching an investigation into the reasons why the veteran winger was sacked.
RUPA Chief Executive Tony Dempsey said there was a feeling of fear and intimidation from a number of players who wanted clarification of the circumstances which led to Tuqiri's contract being terminated.
Neither Mortlock or any of his team members confirmed there was a feeling of fear and intimidation among members of their group.
"I don't think so," prop Pek Cowan said.
"Everything is getting handled by the ARU and RUPA as it's meant to be. That's what we've been told and how it stands at the moment."
Mortlock says it is important for the Wallabies to receive clarification over the issue of Tuqiri's sacking.
"There has been a little bit of uncertainty and that's what RUPA is seeking to do, as I think that is pretty much the mindset of most of the guys, just trying to get a bit more clarity and certainty on the issue," he said.
With Australia's opening Tri-Nations Test of the season just over a week away, Mortlock reiterated that was the team's focus.
"From a playing group perspective with our coaching staff and management, we're very happy with the way we are progressing and everything that is going here," Mortlock said.
"Basically this a RUPA issue and RUPA are dealing with the ARU and that's pretty much what's going on.
"It's really quite separate from what we're focusing on, which is this Test match in a week and a bit's time."
An unnamed retired judge will head the RUPA investigation.
Tuqiri's manager Les Ross on Wednesday released a statement confirming his client's lawyer Mark O'Brien had commenced proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court against the Australian Rugby Union for breach of contract.
© 2009 AAP
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