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RugbyWA Release Digby Ioane On Compassionate Grounds
Monday, 30 April 2007 5:40pm
RugbyWA
RugbyWA has agreed to release winger Digby Ioane from his recent re-commitment to Emirates Western Force on compassionate grounds.
Three weeks ago, Ioane agreed to stay with the Force for a further two years.
However, late last week RugbyWA was advised by his management company that Ioane had signed with the Reds.
Despite having strong legal advice that Ioane could be made to fulfill his contract with the Force, RugbyWA Chief Executive Peter O’Meara said the 21 year old would be released from his obligations on compassionate grounds.
“Digby clearly struggles with homesickness and for compassionate reasons we have released him from his obligations and he will return to Queensland next year,” O’Meara said.
“It’s disappointing to lose a player like Digby, particularly after the huge amount of time and effort put into his development by our coaching staff,” he said.
“While we have strong legal advice saying Digby is obliged to satisfy his two year contract with us, he is an exceptional case and we believe for compassionate reasons it might be best for him to return to Queensland to be close to his family.”
O’Meara also expressed disappointment at the way Ioane’s management company had handled the matter.
Ioane apologised for changing his mind but said he had struggled being away from his family over the past two years.
“I’d like to thank everyone at the Emirates Western Force like Mitch (John Mitchell) and the coaching staff. They’ve done a great job developing my skills,” he said.
“And especially the supporters - you gotta love them because they’ve been awesome to me and I am very grateful.”
“But I am really looking forward to going home for family reasons.”