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SYDNEY - Tana Umaga has the axe hovering over his head and Sonny Bill Williams wants out, it was reported today.
If the Australian media are on the mark, all is not well for two of New Zealand's best known sportsmen at French rugby club Toulon.
The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper led its sports section with reports coach Umaga is close to being replaced by former Wallabies coach John Connolly, while rival the Daily Telegraph quoted a source as saying Williams was lonely and homesick at his new club.
Connolly was understood to be heading to France this week for a meeting with Toulon's big spending owner Mourad Boudjellal, thereby heightening speculation over Umaga's role.
Boudjellal told the Herald: "There is no problem with Umaga", but his feelings were made clear after the club's 18-25 loss to Mont-de-Marsan a fortnight ago.
"I am angry. That was the most shameful defensive bonus point in the history of rugby. Out of six halves we have played since the start of the season, we've had only one good one," he was quoted as saying.
"Our pack has been going backwards for two years and I am fed up with it. We have a team to finish between eighth and tenth.
"Above that will be thanks to the coaches, below it will be their fault."
Toulon are currently seventh in the French Top-14 competition after two wins, two losses and a draw.
Umaga spent last week in New Zealand but reportedly returned to France and took training on Monday.
The former All Blacks captain played a big role in Williams' recruitment from National Rugby League club the Bulldogs for a reported A$1.5 million ($1.85 million) a season, which created an uproar in Australia.
Now with Umaga under pressure, Williams is also said to be unhappy as he languishes on the sidelines with a leg injury with no definite return date.
Williams scored a try on debut against Clermont in the first round of the Top-14, but sustained a hairline leg fracture in Toulon's next match, a 3-3 draw with last-placed Brive.
The Telegraph reported that Williams was unhappy at his treatment by Boudjellal, quoting a source as saying "he's giving Sonny Bill hell".
Williams' manager, Khoder Nasser, is reportedly travelling to France to check on the welfare of his client.
It is understood a member of Williams' camp has spoken to a Bulldogs official, but one said Williams would have to return "on bended knee" and "under the club's terms and conditions".
Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg yesterday said he had heard the rumours "and I'm not surprised".
"Sonny Bill made his choice a couple of months ago. The club has moved on since then. It's common knowledge he can't play in the NRL with any other club than us prior to 2013."
Williams joined Toulon in early August on a one-season contract with an option for a further year.
The Bulldogs released Williams from his five-year NRL contract after negotiating a financial settlement, believed to be about A$750,000.
Williams had been under contract with the Bulldogs through to the end of the 2012 season but walked out on the club with seven games remaining in their season.
Earlier this week, Williams edged out Bali bomber Amrozi to be named Australia's most hated person in men's magazine Zoo Weekly's notorious annual Top 50 People We Hate List.
- NZPA
