The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has rubber-stamped the Western Australia Rugby Union’s decision to axe troubled half-back Matt Henjak for his role in a violent altercation which left a team-mate nursing a broken jaw.
Henjak was forced to face a serious misconduct committee in Perth on Tuesday, which, after a marathon hearing, recommended the 26-year-old’s latest indiscretion warranted his termination.
And after reviewing the committee’s findings, ARU boss John O’Neill wasted little time in tearing up the repeat offender’s contract.
"The process that has brought us to this point has been completely transparent and protected Matt Henjak’s right to natural justice," O’Neill said.
"The conduct committee findings and recommendation were clear and well-informed.
"While the ARU always reserves the right to review cases heard under the ARU Code of Conduct, we are satisfied with this outcome."
Henjak, who was sent home from the Wallabies’ 2005 tour of South Africa after he allegedly threw ice at patrons at a popular nightspot, had simply stepped over the line once too often.
"Poor behaviour, and particularly when it relates to serial offenders, will not be tolerated," O’Neill said.
"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."
Henjak is a veteran of 42 Super Rugby appearances, including 18 caps with the Brumbies. He joined the Force in 2006 and also has four Test caps to his credit after making his international debut against England in 2004.
