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Unvaccinated Sitaleki Timani departs Western Force on eve of Super Rugby season
By AAP
The Western Force have cut ties with Sitaleki Timani after the former Wallabies lock opted against having the Covid-19 vaccine.
Timani was unable to qualify for a medical exemption and his reluctance to have the vaccine meant he couldn't participate in the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season.
"I would like to thank the Western Force, my teammates and Rugby Australia for their support and understanding in what has been a difficult decision," Timani said.
"With the help of the Force, I am still consulting specialists but unfortunately with the season about to start I understand the position it puts both the Western Force and Rugby Australia in.
"This is not how I wanted to end my time in Australian rugby, but I am thankful for the opportunity I had to pull on the Force jersey again and wish them all the best for the upcoming season."
The 35-year-old played 18 Tests for the Wallabies between 2011-13.
The Force signed Timani in March last year following the forward's four-year stint with Clermont Auvergne in France.
"Sitaleki has been a great professional and valued member of the club since re-joining us last season.
"On behalf of everyone at the Force I would like to wish Sitaleki and his family all the very best for the future," Western Force chief executive Tony Lewis said.
- Justin Chadwick
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Latest Comments
Can you relay which "Irish" have said this? News to me.
I have stated that it is not the meritocracy it claims to be due to the draw and scheduling.
The 2023 draw was made right after the 2019 WC so I can substantiate that claim. For example Scotland who were 4th seed when the RWC started finished in joined 16th position. This was not a reflection of their ability: the draw meant they had to play two of the big 4 and bear at least one to have a chance of making a top 8.
Careful when you are sh1t talking the Irish. There are a few of us around here now.
Go to commentsMany Ireland related articles go back a very short way, ABs/Bok thumped them for years. Ire have only been a force in rugby for a short while. A recency bias in IRE favour it seems.
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