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Tana Umaga's brother Mike has found himself at the centre of a storm in the UK after he dramatically resigned as coach of Coventry Rugby Club, citing the "intolerable" treatment of his family.
The 40-year-old former Manu Samoa international announced he was stepping down but Umaga is understood to be seeking legal advice as he and the club remain tight-lipped on the situation.
Umaga's statement read: "The reasons for my resignation relate to the intolerable treatment my family and I have faced over the last few weeks. The last straw was threatening to involve the police if I refused to return my company car.
"It is now clear to me I am not wanted by the new management."
The Coventry Observer reported Umaga was suspended after "serious allegations" on November 14.
The allegations were related to events which occurred before new club owner Andrew Green took over - and were already known about, or had been dealt with, by the previous management team.
Umaga told the newspaper he had "been completely frank with the club during their investigation and I am totally confident about defending myself against the allegations.
"It is sad my tenure should end this way. I feel I have no alternative but to resign to save myself and my family further distress".
There has been speculation that Umaga's suspension was connected to the positive drugs test returned by New Zealand fullback Apoua Stewart, something that Umaga has strenuously denied.
Stewart is appealing the two-year ban he received for testing positive to ephedrine.
"I wish to make it clear that my suspension from Coventry Rugby Club is in no way linked to the playing ban imposed on Apoua Stewart," Umaga said in his statement.
"I have always strongly condemned the use and distribution of prohibited substances and methods and I would not condone drug abuse in any shape or form."
