Australia cancel Tuqiri contract

Lote Tuqiri scored in the 2003 World Cup final against England in Sydney

The Australian Rugby Union has cancelled Lote Tuqiri's contract with immediate effect.

The 29-year-old made his name in the NRL with the Brisbane Broncos and Australia before switching to the NSW Waratahs in 2002.

He made 67 appearances for the Wallabies but the winger has now lost his deal.

The ARU refused to comment on the reasons behind the decision due to legal reasons.

"The employment contract of Lote Tuqiri has been terminated effective today," a short statement from the ARU said, adding that it was a "standard employment matter".

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Tuqiri scored a try in the 2003 World Cup final against England but was not selected to play in any of the Wallabies' three Tests against Italy and France this year.