Former Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos coach Richard Agar is at the centre of a storm after it was alleged he grabbed a UK journalist by the throat in Las Vegas over the weekend.
Agar is now the assistant coach of New Zealand Warriors, who were in Vegas for the Festival of Rugby League at Allegiant Stadium.
The alleged altercation took place at half-time when Agar was making his way down to the sheds, with coaches having to go through the media area to get to their destination.
The NRL have confirmed they are investigating an incident between Agar and the UK-based journalist. The allegations include grabbing the journalist by the throat and verbal abuse.
These allegations have been supported by Phil Rothfield, an Australian based rugby league editor. Rothfield told the Big Sports Breakfast radio show: “Richard Agar has grabbed this poor fella by the throat and given him a dreadful spray. It was so wrong and to be physical like that is not on. I expect Richard Agar to issue an apology.”
The Daily Telegraph reports that Agar ‘rejects’ the claim and it’s said that a review of CCTV footage will decide his future.
On the matter, the NRL chief Andrew Abdo said: “The matter is of concern for us and if the allegations are true…the matter is under review by the integrity team. The allegations are serious and we will have a look at all the evidence and make a decision really quickly.”
Warriors CEO Cameron George added: “I’ll speak to Richard and I’ll speak to the NRL to find out exactly what happened and we’ll take it from there.”
Reports in Australia claim that the matter relates to an opinion the UK-based journalist wrote on Agar in 2022 about the then-Leeds Rhinos coach’s future. The journalist is said to be reporting the incident to the NRL.
The NRL and the RFL have been contacted for comment.
