Rugby: ARU chief makes Tuqiri statement

Australian Rugby Union chief executive and managing director John O'Neill delivered the following statement on Thursday before taking questions on the termination of Lote Tuqiri's contract: "In reference to our announcement last night, Lote Tuqiri's contract has been terminated.

"We are not going into the reasons for that termination.

"As we said in our statement, we will be making no further comment because the termination of his contract may lead to legal proceedings.

"I see in the newspapers this morning there is the threat of legal proceedings over the decision to terminate Lote's contract.

"You'll therefore understand that we are not in the position to make any further comment at all.

"Lote Tuqiri and his management are aware of the reasons for the termination.

"If they want to discuss the situation with you we have no problem with that.

"To reiterate our stance, we will not be making any further comment on this matter."