Henjak officially sacked

Scrum-half Matt Henjak has officially been sacked by the Western Force Super 14 franchise after he broke a team-mate's jaw, the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) said on Friday.

Scrum-half Matt Henjak has officially been sacked by the Western Force Super 14 franchise after he broke a team-mate's jaw, the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) said on Friday.

Henjak had been found guilty by a Western Australia Rugby Union (Rugby WA) disciplinary committee of breaking Haig Sare's jaw after punching him at a Perth hotel earlier this month.

Rugby WA had recommended Henjak's contract be terminated. However, under the code of conduct rules only the ARU have the power to tear up a player's contract.

The ARU reviewed Henjak's case earlier this week and said on Friday they had accepted the recommendation of the Rugby WA committee and terminated the 26-year-old's contract.

ARU boss John O'Neill, who had publicly criticised the Force for allowing Henjak to play in last weekend's opening round of Super 14 matches, said his organisation had a duty to uphold the image of the sport.

“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,” O'Neill said.

“Poor behaviour, and particularly when it relates to serial offenders, will not be tolerated.

“At the same time, we will not be casting Matt Henjak aside without any regard for his future.

“We are happy to discuss with his management team how we might be able to assist in some ways if he seeks rehabilitation and counselling.”