Aru Takes Force To Task Over Henjak Probe

The Age

Wednesday February 13, 2008

Rupert Guinness, Sydney

THE Australian Rugby Union has threatened to take over the investigation of a violent incident involving players Matt Henjak and Haig Sare if the Western Force fails to take action before Friday's season-opener against the Sharks.

The decision by the Western Force to take Henjak to South Africa as a member of its 26-man squad yesterday was met with dismay by the ARU, which warned the Perth-based franchise on Monday night not to let the player travel.

The Force said a serious misconduct hearing would be held into the incident that happened at the Left Bank cafe bar and restaurant in East Fremantle on Sunday night and left Sare in hospital with a broken jaw.

The ARU firmly believes Henjak should not have toured. It also was annoyed it was not contacted by the Force yesterday morning despite assurances before the franchise announced that Henjak would not only travel but would play in round one against the Sharks in Durban on Friday night.

"While natural justice demands any player is innocent until proven guilty, we believe there is justification to stand down any player who has a disciplinary hearing pending," ARU chief executive John ONeill said.

"After being told of the incident (on Monday night), the ARU advised the Force not to include Matt Henjak in the touring squad for South Africa. Unfortunately, we had no further contact with them this morning before they announced that Henjak would tour and, according to media reports, play in the first match on Friday."

Henjak's future is in doubt, with the latest incident following a series of previous misdemeanours.

The Age also believes that a number of his teammates shared the ARU's concern and were upset he was allowed to tour with them.

The players were concerned a focus on Henjak's presence could derail their tour, in which they will play South African sides in the first three rounds.

They are also concerned about the message the decision sent to an increasingly sceptical public and sponsors about how serious the Force are about avoiding off-field controversy.

The Force squad left Perth yesterday divided, judging by the reaction of their head coach John Mitchell, who threatened to walk out from a scheduled media call at Rugby WA's office yesterday morning unless the questioning by journalists focused on on-field matters.

"He deserves his selection. The team has put an enormous amount of work in the season into this first fixture," Mitchell said. "It would be totally unfair on everyone in the organisation and the team if (we) weren't to select the best players to go on the field."

Henjak and Sare both will face the hearing, according to Force acting chief executive Mitch Hardy, who yesterday said interviews of the parties involved were continuing.

Sare, who had surgery on Monday night to have a plate inserted in his face, also must recover from his injuries before he can speak. Initially listed in the 26-man squad, he is expected to be out for at least six weeks.

"Until that point in time, Matt will be permitted to travel with the team," Hardy said. "But there certainly is indication that a hearing will take place at some stage over the next one to two weeks so we can resolve this matter. You have got two players' careers that are on the line."

But the ARU is prepared to intervene if it is not satisfied about the process, even calling for it to be completed before Friday's game.

"Following discussions with Force management (yesterday) afternoon, the ARU has resolved to write to the Force requesting the disciplinary process be expedited," O'Neill said.

"We expect a firm undertaking that this matter will be dealt with as soon as possible, even before the team's opening match in South Africa if possible. The game is bigger than individuals."