Tuesday’s rugby news has a Waratah fined, Kuridrani injured, Dean Mumm coming home and Bismark suspended.
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Potgieter fined for slurs
NSW forward Jaques Potgieter has been fined $20,000 by the ARU for using homophobic slurs in the match against the ACT Brumbies. The Waratahs import has apologised for the incident, saying that it was “an off-hand remark made without thought.”
The ARU deemed Potgieter was in breach of the their inclusion policy and he will undergo educational and awareness training. “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,” ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said
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Kuridrani injures shoulder
The Brumbies have received a massive injury blow, with news that Wallaby outside centre Tevita Kuridrani will be out for two-months with a shoulder injury. Kuridrani was fortunate enough to avoid surgery to his damaged AC joint, with the injury to be treated conservatively with rehabilitation.
While disappointed in the Test 13’s absence, coach Stephen Larkham expressed confidence in the team’s depth at the position. The Brumbies will look to James Dargaville, Henry Speight or Nigel Ah Wong as possible replacements in Kuridrani’s absence.
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Mumm returning to Tahs
Former Wallabies forward Dean Mumm will return to the NSW Waratahs after three years with English Premiership side the Exeter Chiefs. Mumm signed a one year contract with the NSW franchise after starting 48 matches for Exeter, while being named captain of the side for 2013/2014.
“We’re absolutely delighted that Dean will be coming back to the Waratahs, to have a player of his experience and reputation will be a great asset for the team,” Waratahs CEO Greg Harris said. There may be some issue as to where the 33 Test Mumm will fit back into the Tahs forward pack.
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du Plessis suspended in ugly incident
Sharks hooker Bismarck du Plessis has been suspended for four weeks after kicking an opponent during his team’s narrow Super Rugby victory over the Chiefs in Durban. The Springboks hooker was red-carded in the 18th minute of the match after lashing out at Cheifs number 8 Michael Leitch,
SANZAR duty judicial officer Adam Casselden ruled that du Plessis’ kick was “pre-meditated, intentional and unprovoked”. Du Plessis meanwhile expressed great disappointment for his actions, saying, “I am painfully aware that people have lost faith in my character and the values I claim to stand for.”
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