Wallabies player James O’Connor has been stood down by coach Ewen McKenzie for failing to demonstrate and uphold the behavioural and cultural standards expected within the Australian team and will miss the two-game tour of South Africa and Argentina.
McKenzie said no timeframe was being placed on O’Connor’s selection availability.
“We won’t be forced into making any decisions around his return until I’m satisfied that he can once again contribute positively to what we are trying to achieve as a group,” McKenzie said.
“The reality is that representing your country is the ultimate honour but also a week-to-week proposition. To be selected, players must consistently do the right things on and off the field.
“We’ll continue to assess James on that basis before any team decisions are made about a return.”
The Australian Rugby Union is continuing its investigation into an alleged incident involving O’Connor at Perth International Airport early on Sunday September 15.
Once completed, a decision on the next course of action will be taken.
“My views and expectations around team culture and behaviours, along with those of his teammates, are extremely clear and it’s important for the Qantas Wallabies and rugby in general to be spoken about positively for the right reasons,” McKenzie said.
“James and I had a long conversation around those expectations before the tournament commenced.
“As a result, and separate to the outcomes of the current investigation, James will not be joining us in Sydney tomorrow.
“We must put the team first without any distractions hindering them during a really tough two-game tour.”
NSW Waratahs winger Peter Betham will replace O’Connor in the Wallabies 28-man squad.