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SUPER14: Force likely to fire No. 9 Matt Henjak

The Western Force's Matt Henjak, right, tries to charge down a kick from Sharks' flyhalf Francious Steyn during their Super 14 game in Durban, South Africa, on Friday. PHOTO: EPA

The career of troubled Western Force scrumhalf Matt Henjak was hanging by a thread after he was found guilty of breaking the jaw of teammate Haig Sare.

Henjak appeared at a protracted disciplinary hearing in Perth on Tuesday into the incident that occurred on Feb. 10, proceedings running beyond midnight.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Force officials announced that Henjak would be sacked if the Australian Rugby Union (ARU), which has already expressed its strong displeasure at the incident, agreed to the punishment.

The hearing found that Henjak "savagely punched" Sare at a local pub, breaching his contract and also the ARU's code of conduct.

Although Sare was also censured for his part in the conflict and earned a fine of A$5,000 (US$4,500) and an eight-match suspension, RugbyWA chairman Geoff Stooke said Henjak had punched his teammate when he was sitting down and unable to defend himself.

Stooke said Henjak's actions were grossly irresponsible.

"The committee was unable to find any justification for the assault, which probably caused Haig Sare's jaw to be broken," Stooke said in a prepared statement.

"This conduct demonstrated gross irresponsibility and disloyalty to all Western Force stakeholders.

"In light of the circumstances and in particular Matt Henjak's prior record, the committee recommended that the contract of Matt Henjak with the Western Force be terminated forthwith," Stooke said.

A disappointed Henjak said he would consider his options.

"I am bitterly disappointed of the decision handed down by RugbyWA tonight," he said. "It is something I have got to go home and think about."

Henjak returned to Perth for the hearing after playing in the Force's 17-10 loss to the Coastal Sharks in Durban, South Africa, on Friday against the wishes of the ARU, who wanted the matter dealt with more speedily.

The fight was the latest in a string of unsavory off-field incidents for the fledgling franchise, but Stooke played down the problems.

"RugbyWA does not have a culture of alcohol abuse and anti-social behavior," Stooke said. "What it does have is a small number of individuals who have let the organization down badly by their unacceptable behavior."

The Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) said Henjak had acknowledged his behavior had been "less than exemplary for some period of time."

RUPA chief executive Tony Dempsey would not comment on the Perth hearing, but said the players' group would support him if his contract was terminated.

"I have spoken directly to Matt today and advised him the RUPA will do all it can to support him in whatever way possible so that he can manage the difficulties that will necessarily follow from such a decision," he said in a statement. "We won't leave him isolated."

Henjak has been involved in off-field incidents throughout his career.
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