Rugby is grappling with another racial abuse investigation after prominent Sydney club Eastern Suburbs was issued with a breach notice for alleged racial vilification of West Harbour players by its supporters during a testy day of trial matches last month.alleged racial abuse of a Fijian Drua player
The Concord-based club submitted five witness statements and reports from players and officials, detailing the alleged abuse, and the SRU also collected reports from the referees of the first and second grade games. Vision of both games was also scrutinised by the SRU. “I have been involved with the club for 25 years and have not once heard any racist language. The club prides itself on its inclusivity, with around half of first grade being of Polynesian decent, and our last two head coaches being Polynesian.
“We officially sent a breach notice to Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club and raised it with the SRU board last night. We have given Easts the opportunity to formally respond to Sydney Rugby Union.”