Namatakula born Australian wing Lote Tuqiri's colourful career with the Wallabies has definitely come to an end and it is clear that he will not play for the Wallabies again.
This follows Tuqiri's shock termination of his lucrative contract with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) last night. His 5 million Australian dollars contract was to expire in 2012.
There are now indications that Tuqiri may return to rugby league.
This report from the ABC in Melbourne.
The 29 year old Lote Tuqiri, one of the Wallabies' highest earners, has indicated that he will fight the charge and is set to launch immediate legal action against the ARU.
Tuqiri's agent Les Ross said Tuqiri disputes that the ARU are entitled to terminate his contract and he has retained solicitor Mark O'Brien and Tony Marr, senior counsel, to immediately commence proceedings against the ARU.
Mystery surrounds the reason for Tuqiri's dismissal, but the ARU had been conducting an investigation into a possible breach of the player's code of conduct.
The ARU statement read: "The employment contract of Lote Tuqiri has been terminated effective today, last night.
ARU has treated this issue as a standard employment matter and will not make any further comment as it may be the subject of legal proceedings".
scrum.com reports that there was speculation that the latest ARU investigation was based on an alleged late night visit to the Crown Casino in Melbourne ahead of last month's test against Italy, which also reportedly involved backs Adam Ashley-Cooper and Peter Hynes.
Reports suggest that the move is part of a wider effort by the ARU to clamp down on indiscipline with the international set-up.
Wallabies trio, James O'Connor, Quade Cooper and Josh Valentine were fined after a food fight in a hotel and there had been warnings that further sanctions would be forthcoming.
Tuqiri has played 67 times for the Wallabies scoring 30 tries.
He came to rugby union in 2003 and came from NRL club, Brisbane Broncos and the Australia Kangaroos.
ARU boss, John O'Neill and Wallabies coach, Robbie Deans are expected to have a press conference later today. Stay with us for more on the Lote Tuqiri sacking.
Tuqiri’s career with Wallabies over
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p