Wallabies' match-fixing investigation reopened

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia is reportedly set to investigate allegations of alleged match-fixing during the Wallabies game several years ago, according to reports.

The Sydney Morning Herald revealed that some high-ranking sporting officials contacted RA with concerns about at least three Wallaby players who all “still have considerable links to Australian Rugby — either in an on- or off-field capacity,”

According to the newspaper, the alleged match-fixing concerns surround a match that the Wallabies were favoured to win, but their opponents were at attractive odds with betting agencies. The Wallabies’ questionable poor performance, including dubious forward passes, easy tackles being missed, confounding knock-ons and easy midfield kicks going nowhere near their target ensured their loss the match.

Amplifying rugby officials’ concerns were the close links between several Australian players and a controversial horse racing identity.

The Herald reported that the players were sighted – individually or as a group – with either the racing identity or the SP bookie on numerous occasions both in Australia and overseas. One experienced player, who had financial issues, appeared to be “the ring-leader”.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald