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Great Britain forward Danny Ward has been sensationally sacked by Leeds Rhinos, less than a month before the start of the new engage Super League season.
The 25-year-old son of former Leeds captain and coach David Ward has had his contract terminated with immediate effect due to a series of breaches of club rules over the last 12 months.
"It is obviously disappointing when a decision like this has to be made," said Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington.
"We are not prepared to go into detail but the breaches were considered sufficiently serious to bring about this action."
The clubs actions received the backing of head coach Tony Smith, who said: "I fully support the clubs decision, having been made aware of the issues with Danny."
Ward made 135 appearances since joining the club from Dewsbury Moor in 1999 and was a member of their Grand Final-winning team at Old Trafford in 2004.
He made more substitute appearances than starts in his first six seasons at Headingley but was in the starting line-up for 29 of his 31 appearances last year and was expected to be a key figure for the Rhinos this season.
Smith added: "We wont be rushing to sign a replacement because we have a very strong squad but we are likely to review our options during the course of the season."
Ward won international honours at academy and England Under-21 level before graduating to the England A team and he made his Test debut against New Zealand at Hull in the 2004 Tri-Nations Series.
He was also included in Great Britain coach Brian Nobles initial 40-strong squad for the 2005 Series but failed to make the cut and, although he was named in the England squad, he subsequently withdrew for personal reasons.
http://www.superleague.co.uk/news/2467
Odd move to sack one of your stars a month out from the start of the season, especially when there's not all that much left to sign on the open market. Could be a lean year for them, relying a lot more on their Academy guys.
The 25-year-old son of former Leeds captain and coach David Ward has had his contract terminated with immediate effect due to a series of breaches of club rules over the last 12 months.
"It is obviously disappointing when a decision like this has to be made," said Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington.
"We are not prepared to go into detail but the breaches were considered sufficiently serious to bring about this action."
The clubs actions received the backing of head coach Tony Smith, who said: "I fully support the clubs decision, having been made aware of the issues with Danny."
Ward made 135 appearances since joining the club from Dewsbury Moor in 1999 and was a member of their Grand Final-winning team at Old Trafford in 2004.
He made more substitute appearances than starts in his first six seasons at Headingley but was in the starting line-up for 29 of his 31 appearances last year and was expected to be a key figure for the Rhinos this season.
Smith added: "We wont be rushing to sign a replacement because we have a very strong squad but we are likely to review our options during the course of the season."
Ward won international honours at academy and England Under-21 level before graduating to the England A team and he made his Test debut against New Zealand at Hull in the 2004 Tri-Nations Series.
He was also included in Great Britain coach Brian Nobles initial 40-strong squad for the 2005 Series but failed to make the cut and, although he was named in the England squad, he subsequently withdrew for personal reasons.
http://www.superleague.co.uk/news/2467
Odd move to sack one of your stars a month out from the start of the season, especially when there's not all that much left to sign on the open market. Could be a lean year for them, relying a lot more on their Academy guys.
