Tue 24 Mar 2015 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
New South Wales Waratah Jacques Potgieter has been fined AU$20,000 for a homophobic slur against an opposition player at a game against the Brumbies over the weekend. The South African forward has admitted making comments contrary to the Australian Rugby Union's Inclusion Policy. He has been ordered to undergo educational and awareness training. Half the fine has been suspended. “We take the issue of homophobia in sport seriously and want to provide a positive environment for everyone involved in rugby,” ARU chief executive Bill Pulver says. “Comments of this nature cannot be tolerated.” Brumbie David Pocock, who is a gay rights advocate, had complained to the referee during the game that an opposition player had called team members "faggots". ACT forward David Pocock, a vocal advocate of same-sex marriage, complained to referee Craig Joubert about the slurs during the match and it was referred to the ARU. Update: Potgieter has since visited a training session held by gay rugby team the Sydney Convicts and apologised:
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 24th March 2015 - 12:59pm