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Rugby Australia releases three Reds players over contract concerns amid pandemic

By PA
(Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Rugby Australia (RA) has released three players including national representative Izack Rodda over contract disputes that arose during the pandemic, the game’s governing body in the country said.

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Rodda, 23, and fellow lock Harry Hockings, 21, were joined by 21-year-old fullback Isaac Lucas in being released from their contracts with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds, RA and the Queensland Rugby Union said in a statement.

The statement said: “Rodda, Hockings, and Lucas were stood down after they declined to accept a reduction in pay and to nominate for the Australian Government’s JobKeeper subsidy.”

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Reds trio terminate contracts

Video Spacer

Reds trio terminate contracts

JobKeeper is a wage-subsidy programme supported by the country’s government.

RA interim chief executive Rob Clarke said: “Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union have made the decision to release the three players from their contracts, effectively immediately.

“As everyone is aware the impacts of Covid-19 have been felt in every country, across every industry, and rugby is no exception.

“As a result, the game collectively took the difficult but necessary action to stand down over 70 per cent of the entire Rugby workforce, which equates to over 150 workers that are now receiving the JobKeeper subsidy.

“At the same time, 189 professional Rugby players in Australia accepted reduced pay for an interim period to enable the game to navigate this unprecedented situation. The three Queensland players elected not to accept these terms.”

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Rodda had represented Queensland and Australia since 2017, with Hockings and Lucas part of the junior side which fell to France at last year’s World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

The changes come amid a tumultous time for the game in Australia, with New Zealander Raelene Castle last month leaving her position as RA chief executive after 11 former Wallabies captains joined forces to call for change in the union.

Glasgow Warriors coach Dave Rennie has previously confirmed he intends to take over as Australia coach as planned when his Warriors contract runs out at the end of June.

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R
RedWarrior 39 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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