UPDATE ON QANTAS WALLABIES MANAGEMENT
The Australian Rugby Union today announced Qantas Wallabies Business Manager Di Patston has left the ARU after resigning late on Friday 10 October 2014, due to stress relating to recent events.
ARU CEO Bill Pulver said her departure does not impact plans for Kurtley Beale to face a Code of Conduct Tribunal in relation to the distribution of what the ARU considers offensive text messages and images.
“We maintain the text messages and images were of such an offensive nature that they deserve to be fully and independently investigated, and Kurtley deserves an opportunity to present his position,” Mr Pulver said.
“We are responding in a way that any organisation should by taking this matter seriously.
“We have a legal and moral obligation in this matter, and we need to ensure the values of our game are upheld. I don’t apologise for that.”
A date for the Code of Conduct Tribunal hearing is still yet to be set, but is likely to be held in the week after the third Bledisloe Test.
As the Qantas Wallabies prepare to play the All Blacks next Saturday 18 October in Brisbane, Ms Patston’s responsibilities will be undertaken by other members of the Wallabies’ off-field team.
Meanwhile, the Australian Rugby Union will complete a review into the appropriate structure to support the Qantas Wallabies, with any changes to the structure to be in place before the upcoming Spring Tour.
Mr Pulver said the team will gather in Brisbane tomorrow.
“I have complete faith in our players that they will be focusing on the opportunity to play the number one team in the world next weekend.
“There’s no denying we are the underdogs going into this match, but we have a Head Coach and team who will come together and work to achieve what some may think is mission impossible.
“We never shy away from a challenge and we have a team of proud, talented and determined professional athletes who are trained to deal with challenges on and off the field and there’s no doubt in my mind they will be focused on the challenge ahead.”
Related Posts
« #HSBCSevens #GC7s Complete Results Day 1 Blitzbokke impress on Day 1 of Gold Coast Sevens »
