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Wellington - Petulance and midweek drinking are believed to be among the issues that persuaded Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett to shed star players Ma'a Nonu and Andrew Hore.
According to Rugby Heaven's correspondent Toby Robson, no official reasons were given for Wednesday's sensational sacking of the Hurricanes star player and captain, but it was the pair's inability to change their ways that led to the decision to send them packing.
The sensational news is dividing fans. Some argue that the two Hurricanes centurions deserve better after a combined 20 years' service to the franchise.
Hammett's relationship with Nonu got off to a bad start when the All Blacks centre was yellow-carded twice in the opening-round loss to the Highlanders.
And it was strained further by the midfielder's penchant for challenging his coach's ideas during training.
Despite several chats between the pair, Nonu was carded again in South Africa and continued to earn the wrath of referees.
The coaching staff were unimpressed that he purposely passed a ball into a touch judge during last week's win over the Lions, and it seems Hammett didn't believe such behaviour would change next season.
The coach is also understood to have challenged skipper Hore on his habit of having a quiet pint during the week of big matches and on tour.
Hore, a 50-Test All Black, has never shied away from the fact that he enjoys a beer, but it appears Hammett wanted a higher standard from his captain.
Though rumours of the pair's mid-season bust-up were off the mark, Hore's minutes were noticeably reduced as he struggled with fitness and form.
In the end, Hammett just wasn't convinced things would improve next year and delivered his final decision to both players this week.
The decisions have created high emotions at the Hurricanes camp, with Hore and Nonu understandably angry that their years of service have not earned contract renewals.
It has created a dilemma for team-mates such as Piri Weepu, Cory Jane and Hosea Gear, who will be torn by empathy for their close friends and offers to remain with the franchise.
The Hurricanes are keen to keep all three and have put offers on the table.
According to Rugby Heaven's correspondent Toby Robson, no official reasons were given for Wednesday's sensational sacking of the Hurricanes star player and captain, but it was the pair's inability to change their ways that led to the decision to send them packing.
The sensational news is dividing fans. Some argue that the two Hurricanes centurions deserve better after a combined 20 years' service to the franchise.
Hammett's relationship with Nonu got off to a bad start when the All Blacks centre was yellow-carded twice in the opening-round loss to the Highlanders.
And it was strained further by the midfielder's penchant for challenging his coach's ideas during training.
Despite several chats between the pair, Nonu was carded again in South Africa and continued to earn the wrath of referees.
The coaching staff were unimpressed that he purposely passed a ball into a touch judge during last week's win over the Lions, and it seems Hammett didn't believe such behaviour would change next season.
The coach is also understood to have challenged skipper Hore on his habit of having a quiet pint during the week of big matches and on tour.
Hore, a 50-Test All Black, has never shied away from the fact that he enjoys a beer, but it appears Hammett wanted a higher standard from his captain.
Though rumours of the pair's mid-season bust-up were off the mark, Hore's minutes were noticeably reduced as he struggled with fitness and form.
In the end, Hammett just wasn't convinced things would improve next year and delivered his final decision to both players this week.
The decisions have created high emotions at the Hurricanes camp, with Hore and Nonu understandably angry that their years of service have not earned contract renewals.
It has created a dilemma for team-mates such as Piri Weepu, Cory Jane and Hosea Gear, who will be torn by empathy for their close friends and offers to remain with the franchise.
The Hurricanes are keen to keep all three and have put offers on the table.
