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Bret Harris and Wayne Smith | July 04, 2009
Article from: The Australian
THE ARU is believed to be closely monitoring the behaviour of another Wallaby following the sacking of winger Lote Tuqiri for breaking team protocols.
ARU chief executive John O'Neill tore up Tuqiri's multi-million-dollar contract on Wednesday, but refused to reveal the reason. The matter is now expected to become the subject of a legal battle.
But it is understood that Tuqiri was not the only player the ARU had concerns about in relation to alleged misconduct.
One particular player is believed to be very much in the sights of ARU powerbrokers.
Any player who has already received two written warnings from the ARU could potentially suffer the same fate as Tuqiri if he transgresses again.
Meanwhile, NSW Waratahs have revealed they approached the ARU to see if Tuqiri could continue to play with them in the Super 14 series.
Tuqiri is the highest-profile player at the Waratahs and his loss will be felt much harder at the provincial level than in the national arena.
The Waratahs argued that while Tuqiri was in breach of the Wallabies team protocols, he has not broken any rules with the Waratahs.
"It's a question we asked and looked at, but it can't happen," Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said.
"The contract is a tri-party agreement between the ARU, the state union and the player. The ARU would have to sign the contract."
While Tuqiri is likely to play club rugby in France or return to the NRL, the Waratahs are now looking at using one of their two foreign player vacancies to replace him.
The depth in the Waratahs' outside backs has also been lessened by the loss of winger/centre Matt Carraro, who sought a release to join English club Bath.
Under ARU rules, the Super 14 teams can recruit one marquee import and one developing foreign player or two emerging players.
"We have to look at everyone who is available," Hickey said.
"A lot of players have completed their negotiations. If we have to look overseas, that's a possibility.
"We'd prefer to contract somebody in Australia, but the departure of Matt Carraro has compounded the issue for us."
The Waratahs, who are yet to replace Wallaby Dan Vickerman, were already looking to use one of their import spots to recruit a second-rower.
They attempted to recruit South African lock Anton van Zyl last year, but he did not meet the ARU's strict criteria.
"It's a long process to identify someone," Hickey said. "We are looking and talking to people, but we haven't reached the negotiation stage yet.
"But we need to fill a wing position and we need a lock."
The Waratahs have also expressed interest in the Wallabies inside back Berrick Barnes, who has held off re-signing with Queensland Reds until he is satisfied the team is heading in the right direction.
The Reds have released forwards coach Mark Bell and team manager Brendan Morris, while high performance manager Ben Whitaker resigned in protest.
"We have expressed interest in Berrick. He is aware of that and if he has some interest, he'll get back to us," Hickey said.
If Barnes decided to leave Queensland, he would also have the option of joining the Brumbies. There was speculation yesterday that the gulf between Barnes and the Reds was widening, but QRU chairman Peter Lewis was confident he would stay in Brisbane.
"We've had lengthy discussions with Berrick and we are very relaxed about it," Lewis said. "It's the same with Digby Ioane.
"I'm confident we'll put it to bed next week.
"With all the turmoil, one thing that has been overlooked is that we have not lost anyone with the exception of Hugh McMeniman (who is going to Japan).
"It's the first time in my tenure that we have achieved team stability and that should send a loud message."
The Reds will announce on Monday a new high-performance manager and coaching structure, but they are yet to replace Bell.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...015651,00.html
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Originally Posted by James
Was the wait worth it - Ya betta baby 
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