The Australian Rugby Union has terminated the contract of winger Lote Tuqiri with immediate effect.

The ARU did not clarify the reasons for their decision to strip the rugby league convert of his contract because "it may be the subject of legal proceedings".

Tuqiri has been out of favour with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans this season, he was not selected in any of their four international leading into the Tri-Nations, despite the coach admitting he is looking to improve the depth to his squad.