South Sydney have sacked coach Jason Taylor and terminated the contract of Huddersfield-bound forward David Fa’alogo following the punch-up between the pair at the club’s end-of-season celebration.

Taylor, who was under contract to the end of next season, has been replaced by veteran former Australia coach John Lang, who spent 13 consecutive seasons in the NRL from 1994-2006.

Fa’alogo, who is said to have reacted to a slap from his inebriated coach by knocking him down a flight of stairs, has two months left on his contract with Souths.

The New Zealand international agreed a three-year deal with Huddersfield in May and the September 6 ’Mad Monday’ incident is not expected to affect his move to Super League.

"I’ve been at the Rabbitohs for seven years now and I’m sorry that my time at the club has ended in this way," Fa’alogo said.

"I take full responsibility for my actions and, having met with my management, I feel the club has given me a fair hearing in this case.

"I thank the club for giving me the opportunities they have and I wish the Rabbitohs luck in the future."

Souths chief executive Shane Richardson said: "The game needs to make a stance on our behavioural incidents and each club needs to make their own statement about what is acceptable behaviour."