Western Force stalwart Pek Cowan has spoken of his concern for his teammates' mental health and lack of support since the club's Super Rugby axing.
One of two inaugural players remaining at the club, the Wallabies prop says the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) is oblivious to how the decision has impacted the Force playing group.
Tossing up his next move, the 31-year-old admits part of him wants to say "stuff you" to the ARU by staying in Perth and having the final year of his contract paid out.
But he is more concerned for his teammates, who he says "aren't themselves".
"They're not acting like they usually do around the group," he wrote for website PlayersVoice.
"I can't believe the ARU have not come to see us, much less put structures in place to help players in moments of hardship.
"I mightn't be able to see the signs of someone who is going to self-harm - it's not my area of specialty - but I would feel absolutely responsible if they did."
Cowan claims the club were informed of their demise through the media, rather than the ARU themselves, and still have not been contacted by an ARU representative.
And with contracts at a premium there is a genuine concern over where and how players will earn a living next year.
"We've pretty much been left high and dry at the worst time of the year," he wrote.
"The stress on families has been ridiculous.
"I'm lucky. I've got my wife and she's pretty level headed.
"But there are younger guys ... and others not on full contracts who don't have anyone over here. They were calling teammates in tears."
And of the belief that the ARU had predetermined the decision to chop the Force well before making the call, Cowan laments the fact he never got to thank the fans.
"I had played Super Rugby for 12 years, that was our last game and we never even got a chance to walk around the stadium," he wrote.
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