The Hurricanes say Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn apologised on behalf of the Australian Super Rugby club after Hurricanes player Du’Plessis Kirifi made an allegation that he was racially abused by the Leichhardt Oval crowd on Saturday night.
Kirifi gave the crowd the middle finger and explained on social media it was in reaction to racial abuse.
“I love the arena, I love to compete alongside my teammates and I love when the crowds are hyped and throw chat from the stands – But there’s a line and just because you’re in the crowd doesn’t give you the right to talk about my mother or my race,” Kirifi wrote on instagram.
“Abuse from the sideline is part of our job, and it’s a part I personally love – however this doesn’t justify racial slurs or comments about my family.
“I passionately wear my heart on my sleeve but I’m no where near perfect. I admire my teammates who are mature enough to be non-reactive and hopefully the next time I’m in this position I show the same resolve.
“As athletes we’re in the public eye so I apologise to anyone disappointed by my actions, especially those with kids who look up to us as professionals. If I had my time again I’d definitely act in a different way.”
Du’Plessis Kirifi of the Hurricanes gestures to the crowd after winning the round 13 Super Rugby Pacific match between the NSW Waratahs and the Hurricanes(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee told NZ media on Tuesday that he spoke to Doorn, and NZ Rugby on Monday night about the claims.
“He (Doorn) apologised on behalf of the club, for the situation,” Lee said. “It was a short conversation, but we agreed to keep talking and work our way through that.”
The Waratahs released a statement on Tuesday afternoon.
”The NSW Waratahs are disappointed to be recently made aware of an allegation of racial abuse from the crowd at Leichhardt Oval towards Hurricanes player Du’Plessis Kirifi on Saturday night,” the statement read..
“There is no place for racism in society and this behaviour will not be tolerated. The NSW Waratahs celebrate the multicultural diversity of our team and are proud to embrace the inclusiveness of all cultures and races in rugby.’’
Lee said he understood why Kirifi acted in the way he did on Saturday.
“Racist comments, or comments about your mother, are not pleasant for a young man to deal with – or any person to deal with,” Lee told stuff.co.nz.
“He regrets what he did, but I can totally understand why he did it – in the heat of the moment, after allegedly hearing that kind of language.
“I can accept why he made a mistake. I can understand why it happened.”
Lee said it was unlikely perpetrators could be found due to a lack of CCTV facilities at the ground.
“There’s not a lot we can do at this stage,” Lee said. “Unless someone comes forward it is going to be quite difficult to consider exactly what happened, and who did it.”
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Double Agent
Guest
"And whats the bet next time Kirifi steps onto the field he will be booed." I'm thinking the odds of that happening are 100/1. No make it 1000/1.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
:thumbup: :thumbup:
Big A
Roar Rookie
All power to ya
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Always happy to see Tassie teams at underage competitions. A success to be there. Hope it grows.
adam smith
Roar Rookie
@ ClassAct…if anyone wondered if you were an a-hole before this post, they won’t anymore…
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Thank you telling me about for your family involvement in Rugby BF. So much to be proud of, your brother doing something easier because of his asthma so did marathons :shocked: That shows his character and strength mate. I played for the Canterbury under 20s against Todd Blackadder who is still a great friend, I follow his son Ethan closely. They are coming to Tassie after the season to stay here, I will never take for granted the families love. Again I respect and appreciate your post, I was the only Rugby player in my family.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Thanks Tim. I’m the eldest of four brothers, and two sisters. The elder sister read the Laws and would take us to task during dinner conversations. The younger sister was too young when I left home. Our Dad started a Refs Assoc that specialised in Junior age groups. Three of us boys have gone on to coach at various levels. The fourth, possibly the best player of us all, was a nervous asthmatic. He chose to do something easier when his playing days were over, so he took up running marathons. But he still loves rugby, Reds season ticket holder. We’re a rugby family, my son a third generation ref, but we all understand where our game starts and without it, where our game stops. Thanks again for the recognition.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Now, as a mature player, I will ignore you.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
exactamundo. i think if a player cops it from the crowd - he should be able to give back as good as he got. spectators think they can say what they want with complete impunity
Big A
Roar Rookie
now i'm being educated by a busted teacher and a mad kiwi - give it a rest - by the way - the A stands for Alpha Male - which is more than i can say about you two cowboys :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :silly: :silly:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
The opposite piru, I stated last season the positive signs, then this season with younger players coming through mixed with the experienced ones. Plus how the Tahs have progressed and the way that the Brumbies know how to play the Kiwi sides. He should ask Jacko who calls me the mad Aussie supporter :laughing:
piru
Roar Rookie
I'd hope he's right now having a good look at himself. I can't recall you ever having an 'anti Australian rant'.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I have only supported where Australian Rugby is and how it is growing, take time to read my posts. You really are a low life, how about pulling your head in.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Thanks piru, I cannot understand ClassAct saying that I am anti Australian Rugby when I have stated that I support all things Rugby here.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
BF… I like your profile and agree about Community Rugby, Grassroots is vital and the catalyst for growth. :thumbup:
piru
Roar Rookie
Sorry to hear, Tim. All the best and hope you're keeping ok
piru
Roar Rookie
How about you reflect on your own shortcomings mate? Dog act.
ClassAct
Guest
So you paint this forum with relentless anti-Australian tirades and you expect my sympathy? A little self reflection wouldn’t hurt now that you have time on your hands
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Are you for real.
ClassAct
Guest
Do what the other Kiwis do Tim and take a gov’t handout from Australian Taxpayers.