Super Rugby side ACT Brumbies CEO Michael Jones has been "stood down by the club's board" in the wake of Jones launching a "stinging attack on his critics on the weekend" that capped off weeks of rumors and turmoil, according to Chris Dutton of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Jones has the right to challenge the decision "but it is yet to be determined whether he will fight for his job or leave the club." The board's move is "effective immediately," but it is yet to finalize the timeframe for the punishment "or if the decision will become permanent." Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver was in Canberra on Monday to meet with Brumbies Chair Robert Kennedy as the club tried to "work through its issues and in the wake of a wide-ranging interview on the weekend that shocked the club's powerbrokers." It is believed the interview "contributed to an accelerated move by the disgruntled board" to relieve Jones of his duties. The Brumbies board has decided not to sack Jones or terminate his contract, "and it is understood the club is not in a position to foot the bill for a payout" should it cut ties with Jones, who has "almost two years to run on his deal." In the interview, Jones claimed the Brumbies would "cease to exist if he decided to fight back against those attacking him," questioned the club's investment in a new HQ at the University of Canberra and "called on internal stakeholders" to "man up" and stop bowing to pressure of rumors. Jones did not return calls on Monday night, while Kennedy "did not want to comment further other than a brief statement sent to the club's members" (SMH, 3/21).