ARU confirm Henjak sack

22 Feb 2008

The Australia Rugby Union have accepted the Force’s recommendation to tear up Matt Henjak’s contract.

A RugbyWA disciplinary committee recently found Henjak guilty of breaking team-mate Haig Sare’s jaw, but only the ARU has the power to terminate his contract. As expected, they’ve given the 26-year-old his marching orders.

ARU chief John O’Neill said the image of the game was more important than giving Henjak yet another chance.

“We recognise the potential impact this action will have on Matt Henjak, but as the governing body of the game in this country we must always be aware of upholding the standards and values of the code,” he said.

“Poor behaviour, and particularly when it relates to serial offenders, will not be tolerated. It is a privilege, not a right, to play the game at the professional level. Responsibilities come with that honour and protecting the game’s image must be paramount at all times.”

There has been talk that Henjak may take up an overseas contract, with former Aussie coach Eddie Jones keen to take him on at Saracens. Switching to rugby league is also being considered an option.

O’Neill admitted Henjak may be allowed back into the Australian rugby fraternity at a later stage, but only if he seeks professional help.

“If there is a genuine effort by Matt to see the error of his ways and undergo rehabilitation and proper counselling and say in 12 months time if he was back on the straight and narrow, then I wouldn’t shut the door on re-entry into professional rugby,” he said.

“But for the time being there will be no opportunities for him to play professional rugby in Australia. And whether he’s playing rugby league in Australia or rugby league or rugby union overseas, at the end of the day, no one who employs him will tolerate bad behaviour of the sort that we’ve seen over the past few years.”



17 Comments

  • 1.fabio: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 08:22 am

    good riddance.

  • 2.katman: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 08:30 am

    “ARU confirm Henjak sack”

    That’s disgusting. One of them (and I’m guessing it wasn’t O’Neil) actually stuck his hand down Henjak’s jocks? ******’ Aussies.

  • 3.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 08:37 am

    Hensack’s jack?

  • 4.Slappes: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 08:43 am

    Henjerk off?

  • 5.fish out of water: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 08:49 am

    All the league teams have their team rosters full for 2008, they are also hesitant to take him because he hasn’t played league since he was a teenager. He deserves what he has been dealt, he has had more chances than Cher has had comebacks.

  • 6.fish out of water: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 08:52 am

    JC,

    All of my apples are polished. Just catching a few updates before bed… I only have to be in the office at 9:30 tomorrow – so stoked it’s Friday.

  • 7.It is just a game: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 09:17 am

    Yes he should go to England, but to offer his services as a national soccer supporter.

  • 8.Jinx: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 09:36 am

    Maybe James Dalton will give Henjak a call. Business opportunities galore.

  • 9.Sonito: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 09:57 am

    So why did the WF even bother taking him on tour if there intention was to fire him.

  • 10.Stawm: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 10:30 am

    This reminds me of KEO’s “Hand Relief Campaign”

    Whatever happened to that line of attack – a severe warning from some attorneys perhaps?

  • 11.Train: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 11:20 am

    Slightly hypocritical in that you cover all of the ARUs dirty laundry on the site but none of what is going on in sa rugby at the moment.

    Keo has written some good stuff in the last couple of days for the Argus yet you aren’t posting it on this site.

    What about Stofile comments re J Smit?

    Hope you guys haven’t been spooked by a bunch of lawyers.

  • 12.katman: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 11:34 am

    Yep, this site has been suspiciously silent on Stofile’s stupid outburst regarding Smit’s appointment.

    Maybe it was just so stupid that they haven’t quite decided on an appropriate angle of coverage yet.

    I hope they’re not afraid of offending Stofile.

  • 13.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 11:40 am

    What’s going on?

    I will appoint myself the official blogger spokesperson and represent us as a united front against the oppressive Monarchy.

  • 14.Lang Giel: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 11:57 am

    It is never good news to lose a player with so much talent. Nobody mentioned anything about therapy. Look what the shrinks achieved with Butch James. Yesterday a self-appointed guillotene and head collector. Today a World Cup Winner, Bathing in glory.

  • 15.Cheetha Champs: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 15:38 pm

    Henjak was only made famous cause he was mates with Giteau. Henjak is a useless mongrel who would not make the Stellenbosch 7th side (together with Bill Young).

    Good riddance you little mongrel. Klein mannetjie sindroom personified

  • 16.4man: Reply to this comment
    22 Feb 2008, 18:47 pm

    Well good for the ARU, this sends the right kind of message. they are to be applauded for their action.

  • 17.BrumbyIV: Reply to this comment
    23 Feb 2008, 13:03 pm

    Lang Giel at least Butch James problems were rugby related

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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