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Super Rugby statement: Racist slur probe

Frank Lomani of Fijian Drua leaves the field during the round seven Super Rugby Pacific match between Melbourne Rebels and Fijian Drua at AAMI Park, on April 05, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

An investigation into alleged racial abuse of Fijian Drua halfback Frank Lomani by a Melbourne Rebels fan during a Super Rugby Pacific match has found the claim could not be substantiated.

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Super Rugby Pacific competition management, with the assistance of the Rebels and Rugby Australia, opened an investigation following the round seven match in Melbourne earlier this month.

Lomani was sent from AAMI Park after elbowing Rebels lock Josh Canham in the head and the Fijian international appeared to react to a member of the crowd.

The Drua issued a statement that Lomani was racially abused, with their coach Mick Byrne calling for a life ban for the perpetrator.

However the investigation could not affirm the allegations.

“A thorough investigation has now been completed into the allegation and based on the evidence available the allegation of racial abuse could not be substantiated,” said a statement issued by tournament officials SANZAAR on Monday.

“The competition maintains a zero tolerance towards any anti-social behaviour by spectators and, while the competition encourages fans to cheer for their team, it expects that respect should always be shown for others.

“Rugby prides itself on the values of respect and integrity and spectators must adhere to these values while attending matches. The Competition reminds everyone that strict penalties will be enforced for any behaviour that is likely to intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminate against any other person on the ground of their religion, race, colour or national or ethnic origin.”

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R
RedWarriors 54 minutes ago
How Dupont-less France tossed a grenade into Ireland's Grand Slam celebrations

In both instances, Ireland can cross halfway in comfort and there are 20 or 30 metres of space in which to work, but a clear sense of purpose is conspicuously absent. Whether it stumbled into a handling error or a breakdown pilfer or delivered a negative kick back to their opponents, Ireland’s transition attack was toothless.”


I disagree with this in the first instance there is a three on one if Osborne receives the pass. He will get past Moefana with only Ramos appearing to confront Osborne, Aki and Sheehan with no-one behind. Probable try, not toothless. As Osborne is on the opposite wing to what he has been training for there is a handling error (understandable). You did acknowledge that Lowe was a blow, but thsi was not a toothless attack, the French defense was beaten there.

The second instance is a kick to Nash, again he will not have trained as much on kick receipts and takes the ball into trouble. Ireland’s systemic preparation is massively important to them but vulnerable to a pre match injury.


As I said previously, in all parallell universes France win, but it might have been a better and more interesting contest without that Injury.


My hopeful view before that match was of a Leinster-LaRochelle type scenario with Ireland building a score and then withstanding an onslaught. Turned out first half was a low scoring Leinster-LaRochelle encounter. Second half was tired Leinster versus Fresh Toulouse.

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LONG READ How Dupont-less France tossed a grenade into Ireland's Grand Slam celebrations How Dupont-less France tossed a grenade into Ireland's Grand Slam celebrations
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