THREE PLAYERS NOT CONSIDERED FOR SELECTION AFTER TEAM PROTOCOL BREACH

Aug 4 • Australia, General News, International, National • 988 Views • Comments Off on THREE PLAYERS NOT CONSIDERED FOR SELECTION AFTER TEAM PROTOCOL BREACH

Three players will not be considered for selection in this Saturday’s opening Bledisloe Cup Test match after a breach of team protocol.

The group had dinner and drinks at the team hotel last Saturday night after a full training week, prior to a training free day. Three players breached team protocols by continuing to drink alcohol well beyond an agreed time.

As such, Marika Koroibete, Pone Fa’amausili and Isi Naisarani will not be considered for selection for this weekend’s match.

There was no illegal behaviour, no damage and no complaints made. No further investigation will take place, or any further action.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “We are building a culture of working hard for each other and being accountable for our actions.”

“On this occasion, these three players haven’t lived up to that and we’ve taken a very clear stance.

“Ultimately these three men have paid a big price for their decisions but that’s the standard we expect of each other.”

Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said: “Rugby Australia supports the action taken by the team, and the internal standards they have set for each other.

“As an organisation, we expect the highest standards at all times. While we also acknowledge that this is a minor incident, I applaud Dave and the team for taking such an open and transparent approach,” Marinos said.