John O'Neill has denied that he had a personal agenda against Lote Tuqiri © Getty Images

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News: Waratahs hit hard by Tuqiri sacking

News: Tuqiri sacked by Australian Rugby Union

News: Tuqiri dropped from Wallabies squad

Players/Officials: John O'Neill | Lote Tuqiri

Tournaments/Tours: Tri Nations

Teams: Australia

Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill has angrily denied that that a personal agenda led to the sacking of winger Lote Tuqiri. Tuqiri, who has 67 Test caps for the Wallabies, is currently engaged in legal proceedings with the Union after his contract was abruptly terminated on Wednesday.

No reason was given for the decision, with the ARU saying that they would not comment while legal proceedings were ongoing. O'Neill did deflect questions during a press conference to announce the Wallabies' Tri-Nations squad however - offering a short, sharp denial to anyone who speculated as to his personal investment in the situation.

"That's ridiculous, that's completely untrue and anyone who suggests that should think again," he said.

Tuqiri has not featured for the Wallabies this season, being left out of the matchday squads to face Italy and France in recent Tests. The Waratahs wing has now become a target for rugby league outfits Brisbane, Parramatta and Gold Coast, who are all keen to take the former Kangaroo's league international back to the 13-man code.

O'Neill admitted that Tuqiri had been on a final warning after missing a team meeting due to an alcohol related incident in 2007, but redirected questions back to the fact that the winger was fully aware of the reasons for his dismissal and that the ARU would remain tight-lipped.

"It's in the public arena that back in mid-August 2007 Lote was provided with a letter from me which indicated that due to a couple of offences at the time he was on a warning, that further breaches would not be tolerated," O'Neill said.

"Lote Tuqiri and his management are aware of the reasons for the termination; if they want to discuss the situation with you we have no problem with that. To reiterate our stance, we will not be making any further comment on this matter."