Brumbies boss wins injunction

Editor

Brumbies chief executive Michael Jones has won a temporary injunction after the Super Rugby franchise stood him down.

Following a radio interview in which the Brumbies boss was critical of the club’s finances, Jones was removed from his position by the board.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Jones lodged paperwork at the Australian Capital Territory Supreme Court and was successful in seeking an injunction against the club’s action.

Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver visited Canberra on Monday following the action against Jones, with Brumbies chairman Rob Kennedy informing the franchise’s CEO of his decision hours later.

“It was with great regret that I informed Michael of the board’s decision,” Kennedy told AAP.

“However, I believe this decision is in the best long term interest of the Brumbies.”

Jones’ comments were met with anger from Brumbies board members on Saturday, when he voiced his concerns about the future of the club to ABC Grandstand.

Jones also called on police to invesitigate a deal between previous management and the University of Canberra and the ACT Police are looking into the tip-off.

“If the Brumbies cease to be an entity, which is one of the very foreseeable outcomes … the ARU will be in default of the SANZAAR agreement, because they are required to field five teams every week,” said Jones.

“And if this organisation folds and goes into administration the ARU is in default. They are big stakes games that a lot of these guys are playing, and it’s fairly irresponsible of most of them to do it.”

The Brumbies reportedly suffered a AU$1.68 million loss in 2015, with Jones revealing that the club has made a profit just once in the past 11 years.

However, an ARU spokesman told News Corp Australia that the organisation would step in to save the club if required.

Jones and the Brumbies are set to return to court next Tuesday.