Cheika blasts 'bitter' Knox
Wed, 14 May 2008 12:56
Former Wallaby flyhalf David Knox has been branded a "bitter man" by Leinster head coach Michael Cheika, after Knox had launched a stinging attack on Irish rugby this week.
Both Cheika and Irish province Leinster launched a strong counter offensive - blasting the comments made by the province's former backline coach, Knox.
Knox launched into a tirade after departing from the Magners League champions, Leinster, this week.
He blasted new Ireland coach Declan Kidney and also attacked several leading players, including Munster flyhalf Ronan O'Gara, during a radio interview.
The Australian questioned the decision of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) to replace Eddie O'Sullivan with Kidney, claiming that Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll stated previously that he had not learned anything from the coach during his spell at Leinster.
Knox, who has been backs coach to Leinster for the last three seasons, highlighted what he claimed was a litany of failings and mistakes that have bedevilled Irish rugby in recent years.
He also revealed a split within the Leinster ranks - with a schism between New Zealand forwards coach Mike Brewer and Knox.
Leinster was the first to distance themselves from Knox, saying they would like to clarify that Knox is no longer an employee of Leinster Rugby.
"His recent comments in the media are in no way a reflection of the view of our organization and we strongly dissociate ourselves from the views and thoughts of this recent ex-employee," the province said in a statement.
"None of his thoughts are representative of the province and are completely independent of those held by either the playing squad or management."
Cheika also insisted that the views of his former backs coach are in complete contrast to his own.
"My thoughts on Declan Kidney are pretty clear and I've said them already," Cheika said.
"I've always thought he is the right guy. He has a winning mentality and he picks the right guys to win big games.
"I have no issue there whatsoever - you know I'm not sure why he is even saying those things."
Cheika also spoke of his disappointment at Knox's claims of a bitter feud within the side, insisting that Knox's comments are a result of the decision not to renew his contract at the end of the season.
"At the end of the day I decided a while ago - it was January - that he wouldn't be staying this year. I don't think he was really in to it from a living point of view and I went and I had a conversation with Alan [Gaffney] about coming here," Cheika told the Irish Times.
"So I think he is probably bitter because we didn't renew him for next season. I don't want to get into the gutter about this but it is important for people to know how we think. If that is his way then it is very disappointing to us.
"The big word here is disappointing and it is disappointing to me and disappointing to the players. We've been friends for quite a while but you know I'm not sure about what the point of it was. I think that in time he will feel that he has let himself down.
"There is not much you can do but I believe that in the long term he will regret it."
