Abusive fan at centre of scrap with Lukhan Tui to get off scot-free
Rugby Australia has confirmed no further action will be taken against the fan who became involved in a spat with Lukhan Tui after Saturday's Rugby Championship loss to Argentina.
The flanker played the full 80 minutes as the Wallabies succumbed to a surprise 23-19 defeat in Gold Coast, a result that prompted an angry response among some spectators.
After the game, Tui became embroiled in a bout of grappling with one irate supporter, who was eventually dragged away.
It was an unsavoury end to what had been a tough few days for Tui, who lost his stepfather earlier in the week, and head coach Michael Cheika explained the back-row forward had become involved in the scuffle after the fan had knocked over the 21-year-old's sister.
Cheika also revealed after the match that Tui had indicated he would not be playing for the Wallabies again in 2018, and on Monday Rugby Australia released a statement effectively bringing a close to the situation.
"This incident was not something you want to see at any sporting event," CEO Raelene Castle said. "Emotions were running high after the match on Saturday night and I understand why Wallabies fans are frustrated after a result like that.
"Two fans came into the area where players' families were gathered and were arguing and using offensive language in criticising the players over their performance.
"One of Lukhan's young family members was physically caught up in this exchange and this prompted the reaction from Lukhan.
"Wallabies team management have been in dialogue with Lukhan since the incident and he has indicated that he does not wish to pursue the matter any further and therefore no further action will be taken by Rugby Australia."
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You are right. My comment was not meant to be a complaint. It's more of a warning to other teams that once this Bok team gets everything together, they will be close to unstoppable.
Go to commentsDifference is SA lost by a solitary point in both losses, and in the case of Argentina, away after making 11 changes to the team.
AB losses were by larger margins and lost at home, playing arguably their best sides.
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