Tonu'u alleges discrimination

LONDON - Former All Black Ofisa Tonu'u is suing the London Irish club, alleging that racial discrimination was a factor when his contract was terminated in April.

Tonu'u, who played the last of his five tests in 1998, is also suing the club for breach of contract and unfair dismissal after he was cut due to poor fitness.

London Irish confirmed the action, issuing a blunt statement.

"London Irish confirms that proceedings have been issued against it by Mr Tonu'u. The club will defend its position vigorously."

No further comment would be made, it said.

An employment tribunal was expected to hear the case in October, according to the Times newspaper.



Tonu'u was signed on a two-year contract in March last year.

London Irish director of rugby Dick Best negotiated an early release with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union when Tonu'u failed to get a Super 12 contract.

Tonu'u said at the time that he wanted to stay in NZ but felt he had to agree to the club's request to secure his family's financial future.

Tonu'u was this year told he did not feature in the plans of new player-coach Brendan Venter, a former Springbok. He failed a stringent fitness test on April 6 that he believed was deliberately contrived to get rid of him, the Times said.

Four days later he played a full game against Sale but was dismissed without compensation on April 26.

Tonu'u believes he was discriminated against, because white players whose contracts were terminated received compensation.

- NZPA