Stuart says sorry

Kangaroos coach apologises for "inappropriate and offensive" behaviour

Last updated: 28th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Stuart says sorry

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Australia coach Ricky Stuart has apologised to British World Cup officials for his "offensive" behaviour following their shock final defeat to New Zealand.

Stuart has sent apologies to World Cup final referee Ashley Klein and Rugby Football League match officials director Stuart Cummings for his comments following a chance meeting in a Brisbane hotel on Sunday.

He is currently the subject of a Rugby League International Federation investigation after he allegedly abused the pair - conduct he now describes as "inappropriate and offensive".

Stuart claimed he was still in an emotional state following the Kangaroos' 34-20 defeat at Suncorp Stadium the day before.

"Still on my mind were the disappointed faces of my players who had worked so hard during the tournament," he said.

Regret

He added that losing control in the manner he did was "something for which I now deeply regret".

"It's a hard thing for me to admit but I was certainly not in control of my emotions at the time and acted irresponsibly and irrationally," wrote Stuart in his apology, adding "but that's not an excuse for my behaviour".

Stuart will return from a holiday next week to respond to alleged breaches of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup's code of conduct.

The matter is being independently investigated for the RLIF by barrister Robert Weber.