Rugby Australia to review security after fan incident after Test at Cbus Super Stadium

Rugby Australia executives are to review security arrangements during future Wallabies Tests following an incident that saw flanker Lukhan Tui enter the crowd and confront a fan in the aftermath of their loss to Argentina at the Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night.

Rugby Australia released a statement in which it described the alleged verbal abuse directed at Lukhan Tui and other Wallabies as “an isolated incident” but one that would force a review of its security measures.

At the end of the match, Tui, whose stepfather had died earlier in the week, launched himself into the crowd to confront a fan who had reportedly been directing offensive language at the players.

While Tui could be seen grabbing the fan’s shirt, the pair were separated and the fan was removed from the arena, seemingly not by security staff.

The incident occurred after the Wallabies' shock four-point loss in the Rugby Championship, their first home defeat to the Pumas in 35 years.

Advising that the spectator had managed to get into seating reserved for players' families and was using abusive language and arguing at the end of the game, Rugby Australia has opted not to take action aginst Tui.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle said the scuffle was "not something you want to see at any sporting event".

Castle went on to say “emotions were running high after the match on Saturday night and I understand why Wallabies fans are frustrated after a result like that.

"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."

However, Castle emphasised that interaction between fans and players remained an important part of the game, adding “we feel that this is an isolated incident and we haven't experienced anything like this in our game in the past, so we don't want to race into any hasty measures.”

A leaked Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) letter to all Australian contracted players has criticised the security provided for the Wallabies during the games and called on Rugby Australia to “educate” the disgruntled fan at the centre of the incident.

As reported by by The Australian, the letter from RUPA interim Chief Executive Toby Duncan stated “on Saturday night, multiple Wallabies players were subjected to completely unacceptable levels of verbal abuse and physical intimidation from a member of the crowd.

“All players should feel rightly proud to represent their country on the world stage and deserve to have their physical and emotional wellbeing protected on international duty. Players set aside their time immediately after the conclusion of a match to interact with fans regardless of the result.

“It is completely unacceptable that security were not present to provide protection for players and their families. We understand that the identity of the fan has been established and trust that appropriate action will be taken to educate this person regarding their behaviour.”

RUPA has approached Rugby Australia to request a full breakdown of the incident and expects to be kept informed of ongoing discussions with the management of Cbus Stadium.

Image: Lukhan Tui scuffles with a fan after the Wallabies loss to Argentina at the Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night.