As is also often the case in interclub fights, the Waratahs were keen to resolve the matter within the team environment, sources said.
But given the severity of Scott-Young’s injury – he sustained a fractured eye socket that could see him miss the Waratahs’ round one clash against Queensland on February 13 – and lingering questions about the clash and its aftermath, Rugby Australia and the Waratahs opened an investigation late last week to determine if there’d been a code of conduct breach by Amatosero. The Waratahs are owned by Rugby Australia.
Rugby Australia high-performance boss Peter Horne interviewed Amatosero and Scott-Young over the weekend, and viewed training footage. Informed sources said the investigation’s findings and any potential sanctions would likely be handed down later this week.
Miles Amatosero (right) squares up to a Crusaders’ opponent.Credit: Getty Images
Amatosero, who is not stood down and is with the Waratahs at a training camp in Mudgee this week, could face a suspension during the Tahs’ trials, with fixtures against Queensland on January 31 and the Brumbies on February 5.
“The NSW Waratahs and Rugby Australia are aware of an incident that occurred recently during a Waratahs pre-season training session and are reviewing the matter,” an RA statement said.
Scott-Young did not travel to Mudgee but returned to training in Sydney this week, and pending clearance from a specialist, is still hopeful of being available for round one against his former team at Allianz Stadium, according to the Waratahs.
The fallout from the Waratahs’ fight club, and the potential absence of two key forwards, is an unneeded headache for the team on the eve of their Super Rugby season. But it also hasn’t come as a huge shock to many in Australian rugby given the reputation of coach Dan McKellar for running intense and combative training environments.
McKellar achieved great success as coach of the Brumbies, and on the Wallabies staff, with uncompromising training standards. Since taking over at the Waratahs last year, the coach has spoken often about the need to forge a similar mindset at NSW.
He blasted some players for being “too comfortable” mid-way through last year and promised change.
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“It’s the daily discipline to be able to have good habits on the field and off the field. And to change a habit within a player or an individual human being, it’s difficult, and it takes time … you can’t just turn up on Saturday off the back of a light and fluffy week,” McKellar said in an interview with the Herald last week.
“If you look at other codes and other sports across the globe, the teams that train with the highest intensity and can deliver that day in and day out, they’re the teams that are having success.”
Amatosero is entering his third season with the Waratahs and at 203cm and 125kg, will be an important player if he can find consistency. He showed his potential with a standout performance for NSW against the British and Irish Lions last year, but has only started in half of his 24 games for the Tahs.
Speaking to the Herald last week, McKellar said he had challenged and worked closely with the 23-year-old.
“In his physical development he’s considerably fitter than what he was 12 months ago. He’s starting to understand what a good game from a tight headlock really looks like. It can’t just be about moments. What is physicality? It’s a bit of a buzzword. What does it look like for a tighthead lock?“, McKellar said.
“Like a lot of players, we’ve certainly seen development within him. I believe if he gets it right and values what’s important in his position, he has the ability to play at the highest level.”