A Waratahs player is believed to be the subject of an ARU investigation
By Bret Harris
July 01, 2009 A New South Wales Waratahs player is believed to be the subject of the Australian Rugby Union's current investigation into alleged misconduct.
After announcing on Sunday that three players - Quade Cooper, James O'Connor and Josh Valentine - had been fined for having a food fight in a Canberra hotel room, the ARU also revealed it was conducting further investigations into possible code of conduct breaches.
Rumours have swirled around the Australian rugby community since Crikey revealed a week ago that an investigation into Wallabies misbehaviour was being conducted.
The ARU has not named the player or players involved or detailed the nature of the alleged incident.
But there is strong speculation that the player under investigation is a Waratahs squad member.
The ARU refused to confirm or deny that speculation.
"We've said from the outset we won't comment on an ARU inquiry until the inquiry is completed," a spokesman said.
Senior Waratahs officials did not have any knowledge of an investigation into one of their players.
"I've heard nothing," Waratahs chief executive Jim L'Estrange said. "I'm sure they (the ARU) will ring the states when the time is right."
Meanwhile, Western Force is looking at using its second import vacancy to recruit a hooker after Australia under-20s captain Damien Fitzpatrick's decision to remain with the Waratahs.
Force have to replace retired Wallabies hooker Tai McIsaac. The Perth team has two hookers on its list, Luke Holmes and Ben Whitaker, but they are inexperienced. Former Springboks five-eighth Andre Pretorius has been signed as the club's marquee import, but an emerging foreign player who has the potential to be eligible for the Wallabies can still be recruited.
"We are in the market for a hooker and a winger and maybe a back-up lock," Force chief executive Vern Reid said.
Elsewhere, Brumbies backrower Julian Salvi and Waratahs outside back Matt Carraro have joined English club Bath.
* French international Mathieu Bastareaud, who claimed he was attacked as he returned to his hotel room in Wellington, New Zealand, is receiving hospital treatment for psychological problems, according to a French media report.
Bastareaud, 20, lied that he was set on from behind by up to five men after the second Test between France and the All Blacks on June 20, leaving him with a serious eye injury.
Police investigated the incident for several days last week, before Bastareaud admitted he lied.
He said he had drunk too much after his team's 14-10 loss to the All Blacks, and had hit his head on a table back at the hotel.
Max Guazzini, president of Bastareaud's club side Stade Francais, told French media the player was now being treated at an unnamed Paris facility due to "severe psychological problems".
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