Ricky Stuart has today informed the Australian Rugby League that he would not make himself available to coach the Kangaroos in 2009.
ARL Chairman and World Cup Tournament Director, Mr Colin Love AM, said that Mr Stuart informed him of the decision at a meeting in Phillip St today which had been called to discuss the findings of a report into the circumstances surrounding an encounter between Mr Stuart, English based referee Ashley Klein and RFL Match Officials Director Mr Stuart Cummings at the team hotel at noon on November 23.
Mr Stuart was informed that he was to be fined $20,000 under the World Cup disciplinary provisions with the money to be donated to the tournament charity the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
In accepting the fine Mr Stuart also offered the following statement to be tendered at tomorrow’s ARL Board Meeting:
”I have today advised the chairman of the ARL Colin Love that I will not be putting my name forward for consideration to coach the Australian Kangaroos in 2009.
“This has been a most difficult decision to make in view of the great honour and enjoyment that comes from coaching our national team.
“I believe that making this decision is in the best interests of the game and for me personally. In view of the circumstances it was the only decision.
“The penalty that has been handed down has been accepted by me as fair and reasonable. There are some elements of the findings that I could debate but in the best interests of the game it is time to move on and leave them unchallenged.
“I have apologised to every person and body that I feel I needed to address and by making this decision I would hope that it will be interpreted as me not condoning my conduct in any way, shape or form. I am fully aware of the importance of protecting the game’s image and reputation from the grass roots level to the international arena.
“I would like to thank Colin Love and his board and the players with whom I have been associated for their support and commitment to the Australian jersey during the past three years.”
Mr Love said that Ricky had made an outstanding contribution to the profile and performance of the Kangaroos since 1986.
“In many ways his actions today have underlined his commitment to the ideals he has set for the Kangaroos.
“In a clear error of judgment Ricky acted inappropriately and he has conceded that from the outset.
“Like all of us he has had to wait for the report from Robert Weber SC to be finalised and today was his first opportunity to review that.
“Not only has he accepted the $20,000 penalty imposed by the World Cup Tournament under its disciplinary code, Ricky has chosen to set an example for coaches at every level about the respect that needs to be shown to officials.
“Anyone who has seen the pride Ricky places in representing Australia will know that he is paying a heavy price.
“People need to accept that he is paying it and allow him to move on with a clean slate.
“They also should acknowledge the contribution he has made to the profile of the international game, the spirit of the Australian team and to the success of the 2008 World Cup over the last two years.”
Mr Weber’s report confirmed that Mr Stuart had abused both refereeing officials in the foyer of the hotel the morning after the game, that there had been some physical contact between Mr Stuart and Mr Cummings, that while the abuse was not loud it was littered with profanities.
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