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 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.
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Tuqiri’s career with Wallabies over
