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MONTPELLIER, France - The Australian Rugby Union knew of Andrew Johns' drug habits when it blocked moves for the Newcastle halfback to cross codes three years ago.
Former ARU high performance unit manager Brett Robinson was pilloried for the decision after Johns had shown serious interest in a deal driven by the NSW Waratahs.
At the time, in 2004, Robinson cited Johns' age (then 30) and injury history as the major reasons for not proceeding with a million dollar, two-year contract.
But an ARU source, close to the negotiations at the time and still in a leading position, said Robinson was made aware of Johns' drug-taking and it was a key factor in the knock-back.
The insider said Robinson confirmed the information through his own investigations, honourably maintained his silence, and had now been fully vindicated for the call.
A group calling themselves the 'Friends of the Waratahs' attempted to put together a lucrative contract boosted by third-party sweeteners for Johns to become a dual international.
The group and Johns' agent John Fordham were highly critical of Robinson after the halfback returned from injury and played a starring role as NSW rallied to win the 2005 State of Origin series.
Johns' caution for possession of ecstasy in England last week, which was followed by a full confession about a long-term problem, has also cost him another job with the ARU.
Rugby supremo John O'Neill swiftly moved to end speculation the former test, NSW and Knights skipper would join the Wallabies at the World Cup in France next month as kicking coach.
Johns participated in two sessions with the Wallabies in Sydney and Melbourne this domestic season and had the support of leading players to come on board for the tournament's play-off stages after finishing his NRL commentary commitments with the Nine Network.
Robinson did not return calls on Monday.
NSW coach Ewen McKenzie said he didn't recall the issue ever coming up during the Waratahs' pursuit of Johns.
"I don't recall it coming up in the discussions," McKenzie said.
"You do your due diligence so obviously it would be a topical issue but I don't recall it being in the mix.
"There were sort of reasons about his age and his injury record, there's lots of things there, to be honest I can't remember the detail really."
McKenzie said the final decision, as far as the Waratahs' deal was concerned, had been Johns'.
"That's what happened. I think he was close to giving it a go but in the end he decided to stay so he made the call, that was that," he said.
- AAP
