Love denies Stuart attack

Stuart: Under investigation

I don't think it would be right for me to comment on what might or might not happen until we know all the facts.

Colin Love
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Australian Rugby League chairman and World Cup tournament director Colin Love has denied being verbally abused by Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart, but admitted the Rugby League International Federation are launching an investigation after a complaint.

The RLIF have appointed former barrister Rob Webber to head an independent investigation into a complaint that Stuart verbally abused World Cup final referee Ashley Klein and RFL referees' official Stuart Cummings.

Stuart exchanged angry words with ARL chief executive Geoff Carr minutes after Australia had been stunned by New Zealand in the World Cup final, claiming a conspiracy against his side for the benefit of the tournament.

Stuart then allegedly ran in to Klein and Cummings at a Brisbane hotel, and his behaviour towards the duo has resulted in a complaint being made.

Complaint

"A complaint has been received and that now has to be investigated and will go before the executive of the international board," Love confirmed on radio 2KY.

"We'll have the matter investigated, get a report and act on it from there.

"Ricky's got to be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

"It will take as long as it takes so the right decision is made."

Stuart was reportedly furious with some of the refereeing decisions during the final, and believes officials thought a New Zealand win would be good for the tournament.

Position

Asked if Stuart deserved to be retained as Australian coach, Love refused to back the current coach to keep his job.

"I don't want to speculate on that," he said.

"I don't think it would be right for me to comment on what might or might not happen until we know all the facts."

Love also insisted that he had not been on the end of a verbal tirade from Stuart in the dressing room after the game.

Although the ongoing investigation has slightly soured the end of the World Cup, Love insists the tournament was a big success.

"I thought it was a very successful tournament," Love continued.

"I think it exceeded the expectations of a lot of people.

"It can only go from strength to strength. It's going to help ensure the future success of international rugby league."