Wallaby Lote Tuqiri said he is devastated after being dumped by the Australian Rugby Union, a decision which effectively ended his chances of winning a World Cup with his team-mates.

The 67-Test winger said he has been in a state of shock since being told by the ARU last Wednesday that they were terminating his lucrative five-year contract, due to expire in 2012 over a "standard employment matter".

Both the ARU and Tuqiri have refused to fully disclose details, citing legal reasons. Amid reported outrage among some of his Wallabies teammates over his sacking, 29 year old Tuqiri revealed his feelings about the dramatic events which abruptly ended his high-profile six-year career in rugby.

The two-time World Cup Wallaby said it "hurts" him that he will not be able to fulfil his ambition to win the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.