Manawatū Rugby Union president Bruce Hemara says rugby’s culture is changing and it’s no longer good enough to deal with racial abuse on the field and move on. The culture of settling scores with words rather than fists is changing as younger generations come through the ranks, says Manawatū Rugby Union president Bruce Hemara​. The Manawatū Rugby Union confirmed the incident after the appeal period ended at the weekend. It is believed to be the first time a player has been suspended for racial abuse in Manawatū club rugby. One instance of racial abuse at a club rugby final resulted in the abuser being banned from the sport for 46 weeks.

Source: Stuff July 30, 2020 16:52 UTC