Rugby union: Reds trio Izack Rodda, Isaac Lucas and Harry Hockings terminate their contracts

Queensland Rugby had no legal basis to issue stand-down notices to Izack Rodda, Isaac Lucas and Harry Hockings, manager says.

Wallabies second-rower Izack Rodda has terminated his contract with Rugby Australia

Queensland Reds trio Izack Rodda, Isaac Lucas and Harry Hockings have sensationally terminated their contracts with Rugby Australia and Queensland Rugby Union.

Their manager Anthony Picone said in a statement that QRU had no legal basis to issue stand-down notices to the three players. He said the QRU was given considerable opportunity to withdraw the notices and the governing body “failed to do so”.

“This is their livelihood. It is only reasonable that talented players want to secure stable employment during these times,” Picone said.

Along with the QRU’s repudiatory conduct, the players’ decision was also informed by the enormous uncertainty surrounding the financial state of rugby union in Australia. This includes the lack of a broadcast deal and concern around the ability for contracts to be honoured into the future.

On Monday Rodda, and Reds teammates Lucas and Hockings were stood down without pay for refusing to accept Rugby Australia’s proposed 60 per cent wage cut.

Rodda, Lucas and Hockings are the only three in Picone’s NewStar Sports stable who have not opted to agree to the variation agreement.

“Izack Rodda, Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas respect and support their teammates in their decisions and understand that each individual player will assess the situation in relation to their own circumstance,” Picone said.

Picone urged the new RA management – which includes chairman Hamish McLennan and interim CEO Rob Clarke — to adopt a “more nuanced” approach to player relationships and player movement.

“It is disappointing the QRU chose to air the issues publicly,” he said. “Given the parlous state of rugby in Australia and Queensland we offered the organisation the opportunity to deal with these matters in private and confidentially. This offer was rejected.

“It would be wise for the Reds and RA to maintain amicable relationships with these players. The future is uncertain, but we should always have as many players in the tent as possible. South Africa have jumped the gun on us in this space and they won the World Cup with a unified squad selected from all around the world.”

It is understood Rodda, Hockings and Lucas have received a large number of messages of support from their current teammates and from many former players.

“Izack, Harry and Isaac would like to thank their family, friends and advisers who have assisted them through this process,” Picone said.