Rugby: O'Neill denies Tuqiri 'agenda'

ARU chief executive John O'Neill (inset) denies he has a personal agenda against Lote Tuqiri. Photo / Getty Images

Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill angrily denied he had an agenda against Lote Tuqiri as mystery continues to surround the reasons behind his sacking.

In a tense 15-minute press conference yesterday, O'Neill came under the most pressure of his latest two-year tenure in charge as he was bombarded with questions over the decision to terminate Tuqiri's lucrative contract.

The former Kangaroos league international was signed by former ARU boss Gary Flowers in 2007 on a five-year deal, reportedly worth A$1 million ($1.3 million) a year.

O'Neill stood firm, saying the ARU would be making no further comment because the termination was subject to legal proceedings.

Tuqiri's agent Les Ross confirmed he had engaged two lawyers to begin legal action against the ARU, as National Rugby League clubs including Brisbane, Parramatta and Gold Coast all circled for Tuqiri's services.

Still, that did not stop O'Neill being grilled, with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans beside him at the top table.

The press conference was originally scheduled to announce the Wallabies' Tri-Nations squad, but after some token questions to Deans on new halfback Will Genia, there was only one topic.

O'Neill, who returned to the ARU in mid-2007 after Tuqiri had been signed, was asked directly if he had an agenda against the 67-test winger who debuted in 2003.

"That's ridiculous, that's completely untrue and anyone who suggests that should think again," he said.

It went on.

Q: Before the Bledisloe Cup in 2007 did you tell [coach] John Connolly you wanted to sack Tuqiri there and then?

O'Neill: I have no recollection of that.

Q: Did you threaten Connolly with the axe if he did not axe Tuqiri?

O'Neill: Discussions between the coach and myself remain ... I have no recollection of that conversation.

One of O'Neill's first acts on his return to the ARU from a stint with Football Federation Australia was to issue Tuqiri with a two-match ban and a warning in 2007.

He failed to attend a 10am team medical after having a midnight curfew imposed after an alcohol-fuelled incident at the team's Brisbane hotel.

Tuqiri had previously been fined and banned for two matches in 2005 for being out late at a Cape Town nightclub.

"It's in the public arena that back in mid-August 2007 Lote was provided with a letter from me which indicated that due to a couple of offences at the time he was on a warning, that further breaches would not be tolerated," O'Neill said.

He brushed off repeated questions about the latest breach, saying only that the police were not involved.

He said Tuqiri, who has a column in Sydney's Sunday Telegraph newspaper, was free to comment.

"Lote Tuqiri and his management are aware of the reasons for the termination. If they want to discuss the situation with you we have no problem with that.

"To reiterate our stance, we will not be making any further comment on this matter."

- NZPA