Leinster Rugby investigates racism claims

Wednesday 31 Aug 2011
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Leinster Rugby are holding a “full internal investigation” after Northampton prop Brian Mujati claimed he was the subject of racist remarks during a pre-season friendly at the Irish club’s Donnybrook stadium on Friday (26 August).

Mujati, 26, made the allegations on Twitter the morning after the game. He later removed the postings, in which he claimed the remarks had come from Leinster prop Heinke van der Merwe and lock Steven Sykes.

The only comment that Leinster would make was in a statement which said: “Following allegations made by a Northampton Saints player this morning via his personal Twitter account, Leinster Rugby are holding a full internal investigation.

“The managements of both teams are in close communication and hopefully the matter will be resolved as soon as possible. No further comment will be made at this time until that resolution has been reached.”

A Northampton spokesman said: “The club takes any allegations like this very seriously. We will be talking to the player concerned about it and contacting Leinster. We will not make any further comment at this time.”

The Rugby Football Union has confirmed that because the alleged incident took place on Irish soil it falls outside of its jurisdiction.

The IRFU has said it is in touch with Leinster and Northampton on the matter.

From RTE sport

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