Australian rugby/RA

[Wilson]

Most interesting thing about this whole story is that Foketi is being represented by Michael Wells (former Brumbies/tahs/Rebels/Force player).

Overall it sounds like Foketi screwed up in not properly taking leave or working this out via his manager first, and RA are probably being a bit heavy handed in not spending a single dollar they don't have to, but that's a change that probably should've happened years ago. Sucks for Foketi, but probably an important stance for RA to take going forward.

 

[Dctarget]

Most interesting thing about this whole story is that Foketi is being represented by Michael Wells (former Brumbies/tahs/Rebels/Force player).

Overall it sounds like Foketi screwed up in not properly taking leave or working this out via his manager first, and RA are probably being a bit heavy handed in not spending a single dollar they don't have to, but that's a change that probably should've happened years ago. Sucks for Foketi, but probably an important stance for RA to take going forward.

Damn, Wells got into law pretty hot quick, didn't he play last year? I don't know if I'd want a grad lawyer representing me.

 

[Ignoto]

But RA had no idea he’d gone until reading the article and seeing the video interview on the Chiefs’ website, and asked Foketi for a please explain.

Foketi claims he did not breach the contract, returning to Sydney on November 7 for a four-hour promotional clinic in Penrith.

Foketi is being represented by BlackBay Lawyers Associate Michael Wells, himself a former Waratahs player.

“Doing promo content for a future team is pretty standard in the industry,” Wells said.

Both Foketi and Wells are demonstrating their business naivety. I reckon if you told RA / The Tahs that the Chiefs wanted you to do pop over to do some promo that RA would have been ok with it. Especially considering we saw the inverse was done for Ross and the Reds last year (or was it this year, I've lost track).

What the hell do Foketi and Wells think happens in the real world? Speaking firsthand, I have seen partners jumping between big 4 and other Professional Service firms be put on gardening leave after they announce they're moving firms. I guarantee if a partner did promo for their new firm while still employed by the other firm a similar thing would occur.

Poor judgment by Foketi.

 

[rugbyAU]

I don't think the 'threat' to never play for the Wallabies again is particularly relevant....

Yeah his Wallaby career finished in 2023

 

[Wilson]

Damn, Wells got into law pretty hot quick, didn't he play last year? I don't know if I'd want a grad lawyer representing me.

Looks like he picked up a bit of experience with Tattarang and Minderoo while at the Force, but has only been practicing for about a year. Seems to be framing himself as a sports lawyer though, so it might be that he is the face of it to generate a bit of noise for the firm. Foketi will definitely be hoping his court room record is better than his playing one though.

 

[Braveheart81]

While it's frustrating that it will cost Rugby Australia money, it's probably a smart move from Foketi.

It's unlikely to make any sense for Rugby Australia to defend the claim. The amount owing to Foketi for the remainder of his contract is unlikely to be more than what it would cost to defend a court action.

I'd guess the likely outcome is they settle it and everyone moves on.