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Former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe has lost his job as New Zealand Rugby League's football director.
Lowe, a controversial figure in the recent debacle that resulted in Kiwis coach Gary Kemble resigning, was told more than a month ago his position would be disestablished, NZRL general manager Peter Cordtz said yesterday.
"Having given notice of this, the NZRL is now working with Graham to identify suitable opportunities for his involvement going forward," Cordtz said last night.
NZRL had reviewed its budgets early in December because of "serious financial issues" it faced and Lowe's position was cut as a result of this, Cordtz said.
"This is an internal and contractual matter and no further comment will be made by either the NZRL or Graham Lowe," he added.
Cordtz said he was clarifying Lowe's situation because of speculation about the former coach's status. Earlier this week another former Kiwis coach, Frank Endacott, and former NZRL chairman Selwyn Bennett called for Lowe to stand down.
Bennett, who gave Lowe his first coaching job in 1975, said he had done a terrible job as football director and was proving divisive for the game.
"He's director of football competitions and all he's done is dismantle them all. So I think he's got a lot to answer for," Bennett said.
Endacott said Lowe had been vehement in his criticism of players, but like the players themselves, he needed to be aware that he had had his day.
Lowe strongly defended Kemble in his battle to keep the coaching job over the last fortnight. He also criticised Kiwis captain Roy Asotasi for speaking out against Kemble.
Lowe led the review of the Kiwis' nightmare tour of Europe late last year and recommended that Kemble be reappointed, but Kemble resigned on Sunday.
Kemble's predecessor Brian McClennan cited Lowe as a major reason for his resignation last year, saying he interfered in his role too much.
- NZPA
