Potgieter guilty of homophobic slurs
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The Australian Rugby Union has fined Waratahs' Jacques Potgieter AU$20,000 (with AU$10,000 suspended), following an incident during Sunday’s match against the Brumbies.
Potgieter admitted making comments contrary to the Australian Rugby Union’s Inclusion Policy.
He will also be required to undergo additional educational and awareness training.
The sanction was determined following an investigation by the ARU’s Integrity Unit, after the matter was referred to the ARU by SANZAR on Monday.
The incident follows the endorsement of an ARU Inclusion Policy in August 2014, which is designed to stamp out all forms of discrimination and homophobia in Rugby.
ARU CEO Bill Pulver said: “We take the issue of homophobia in sport seriously and want to provide a positive environment for everyone involved in rugby.
"Comments of this nature cannot be tolerated.”
“Our Inclusion Policy reinforces Australian Rugby’s commitment to ensure every individual, whether they’re players, supporters, coaches or administrators, feel safe, welcome and included regardless of race, gender or sexuality.
“I’d like to stress again that there is absolutely no place for homophobia or any form of discrimination in our game and our actions and words on and off the field must reflect that.”
Potgieter expressed remorse over the incident, and apologised for any harm caused by his remarks.
“I’m very sorry for any offence caused by what I said on the field during a heated encounter,” Potgieter said.
“It was an offhand remark made without thought for the hurt it could cause to those around me.”
To all the rugby community, fans and public. I sincerely apologise for the hurtful words spoken… https://t.co/Idoja17hIL
— Jacques Potgieter (@JacquePotgieter) March 23, 2015
Waratahs Rugby CEO Greg Harris said the incident was unfortunate, given the efforts of the sport to be an inclusive environment.
“Jacques made an error in judgement, despite having completed the ARU’s Integrity Training, which includes the Member Protection Policy around inclusion and racism,” Harris said.
“Our players have been educated around the importance of respect and integrity on the field, and this incident was directly in conflict to these values.
“There is no place for homophobia or any form of discrimination in our game and we have endeavoured as a club to embody these values on and off the field.
“We pride ourselves on a strong culture, and this incident is by no means definitive of our collective identity as a football club.”
Potgieter’s penalty relates to a breach of the ARU Code of Conduct, which prohibits homophobic or racist comments.
The ARU, Waratahs, the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) and the player himself, have determined that the matter does not need to be heard by a Tribunal and accepted this penalty.
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