Dick McGruther, the outspoken Australian rugby chief who earlier this year made a scathing attack on English officials for sending a weak touring team, was replaced yesterday as chairman of the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).

His position was taken by David Clarke, the former chairman of the New South Wales RU.

McGruther accused English officials of "the greatest sell-out since Gallipoli" when they picked an understrength team to tour the southern hemisphere.

He was voted out of office after a meeting of the ARU Board in Canberra. The ARU would not comment on the issue other than to say that McGruther would remain as director of the board.

McGruther's departure came a day after Australian newspapers reported that other board members were planning to challenge his position.

The Sydney Morning Herald said members from the powerful New South Wales and Queensland unions were upset at the way the ARU had taken control of the game in Australia.

But John Winstanley, chief executive of the New South Wales rugby union, dismissed the claims. "Coup is the wrong word. The board members had their opinion that McGruther should not be chairman and they voted accordingly," Winstanley said.

"It's utter rubbish to say the states were worried about losing power. We are one and work in a co-operative and spirited way with the ARU."

McGruther was appointed as ARU chairman in December 1995, overseeing the game's transition from amateurism to professionalism.