Brumbies coach gets boot

By WYNNE GRAY

David Nucifora, who has coached the Brumbies into a clear lead in the Super 12, is to lose his job because of player displeasure.

In a shock announcement before tomorrow's home game against the Highlanders, the ACT Rugby Union said this would be Nucifora's last season in charge of the Brumbies.

Chief executive Rob Clarke acknowledged Nucifora's contribution in the last three years, but said the team needed someone else to take it to the next level.

The Herald understands Nucifora's axing came after he approached his board to ask for an extension to his contract.

He had battled elements of player-power for some time, but with his team leading the Super 12, he figured he could clinch a further coaching term.

Senior lock Justin Harrison was the highest-profile player who quit the Brumbies after last year, unable or unwilling to deal any further with Nucifora. Others stayed, but were unhappy.

That disquiet filtered through to the board, which was swayed to let Nucifora go.

"I know that to many people this may seem like a strange decision, but we as a board considered what we need to take us forward and we've decided not to offer David Nucifora a further extension of his contract," Clarke said.

"The task that David was employed to do for us was to introduce change to the squad, with a particular emphasis on the development of younger players.

"We believe that he has completed this task successfully and the next stage of the team and rugby programme development requires another set of skills."

Nucifora said he was bitterly disappointed by the decision and the way it was reached.

"In my view there was a lack of proper process and consultation. On this occasion I wasn't allowed to represent my plans to the board.

"Despite the appalling way I have been dealt with, I am committed to the success of the team for the season and will do everything possible to ensure we win the Super 12."

Nucifora took the Brumbies to the Super 12 final in his first season in 2002, a semifinal last year and has them leading the series by six points this season.