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I know Lote will be devastated: Dunning
Lote Tuqiri ... sensationally sacked by the ARU. Photo: Steve Christo
- Tim Clarke
- July 2, 2009 - 10:20AM
Former Wallaby Matt Dunning says he is as mystified as anyone as to why ex-Waratah teammate Lote Tuqiri was sensationally sacked by the ARU yesterday - but knows he will be devastated.
In Perth today to meet and greet his new team-mates and employers at the Western Force, Dunning couldn't shed any light on why Tuqiri's contract was torn up.
"I was very shocked, I knew nothing about (it), and no-one seems to know. I don’t know and no-one I have spoken to seems to know," Dunning said.
"Obviously I am feeling for him, he is a good mate of mine. He would be pretty devastated, everyone in this room wants to keep their jobs.
"He has got a family, and I am sure he will be devastated."
A three-paragraph statement was all Tuqiri's termination warranted from the ARU yesterday, with Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill saying today the ARU would be making no comment on the reasons for Tuqiri's dismissal as legal action was pending.
He said Tuqiri knew the reasons and it was up to him if he wanted to discuss them publicly before any legal issues were resolved - but said is was not due to any police matter.
"Cleary the decision to terminate a contract is one that requires a lot of consideration. We gave that consideration and reached the conclusion with our eyes wide open," O'Neill said.
O'Neill confirmed the police were not involved and said he had consulted with Tuqiri's Super 14 club the NSW Waratahs and they had agreed with the decision.
He described suggestions he had a personal agenda against Tuqiri as "ridiculous" and said the winger's massive salary was not a consideration.
Meanwhile Dunning, and another former Waratah Brett Sheehan, both said they were targeting returns to the Wallaby squad with their moves to Perth.
"It was a massive decision for me, as my long service was up in March, but the opportunity was in Perth, the coaching staff and the roster - the future looks so good I decided to move across," Dunning said.
"They beat every team in Australia, an excellent side, and have good leaders in the team.
"I am obviously keen to get back in the Wallaby squad, it was always going to be hard to make the Tri-Nations squad
"But the end of season tour hoping to get back in there, and do well for the Wallabies."
http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/i-kn...0702-d5y9.html