RFU confirms player has been banned for 'racially abusing' opponent
Yesterday at 04:34 PM
A Hartpury College rugby player has been hit with a nine-match ban after racially abusing an opponent during a university rugby clash.
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Joe Cooper, 20, was found guilty by an RFU independent disciplinary panel for “conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union and the game” after targeting a University of Bristol player in a British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) match on 22 January.
The punishment
- Nine-match ban (three suspended)
- Mandatory anti-racism course via Accelerate Sport
The targeted player revealed the impact of the abuse, stating:
“When the words were said, I didn’t know how to feel. I was in shock as I didn’t expect to hear what I heard, especially in a rugby game.”
Hartpury responds
Hartpury College confirmed that Cooper admitted to using the language, accepting full responsibility for his actions. A spokesperson said:
“We unequivocally condemn all forms of racism and discrimination. We have remained in close communication with the University of Bristol and fully support the actions taken by the RFU, alongside our own internal disciplinary response.”
The University of Bristol also backed the RFU's decision, adding:
“We welcome the outcome of the disciplinary panel and have been supporting the affected student throughout this time.”
This latest scandal is another reminder of rugby's ongoing battle against discrimination, with governing bodies cracking down hard on unacceptable behaviour in the game.
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