NSW Waratahs forward Jaques Potgieter has apologised for using homophobic slurs in the match against the ACT Brumbies, describing the incident as an "offhand remark" after being fined $20,000 by the ARU.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Potgieter expressed remorse on Monday night following a swift investigation into offensive language he directed at Brumbies players in the Waratahs' 28-13 win on Sunday.
The ARU deemed Potgieter was in breach of the the ARU's inclusion policy and he will undergo educational and awareness training.
"I'm very sorry for any offence caused by what I said on the field during a heated encounter," Potgieter said.
"It was an offhand remark made without thought for the hurt it could cause to those around me."
Potgieter directed the remarks at two Brumbies players in the second half of a feisty battle at Allianz Stadium.
Brumbies flanker David Pocock approached referee Craig Joubert on separate occasions and asked him to "watch for homophobic slurs".
Super Rugby's governing body, SANZAR, investigated the matter before handing it to the ARU on Monday night.
The ARU fined Potgieter $20,000, with $10,000 of that suspended.
"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," said ARU boss Bill Pulver.
"Our inclusion policy reinforces Australian rugby's commitment to ensure every individual, whether they're players, supporters, coaches or administrators, feel safe, welcome and included regardless of race, gender or sexuality.
"I'd like to stress again that there is absolutely no place for homophobia or any form of discrimination in our game and our actions and words on and off the field must reflect that."
The incident followed the endorsement of an ARU inclusion policy in August last year, which is designed to stamp out all forms of discrimination and homophobia in rugby.
Waratahs chief executive Greg Harris said: "Jacques made an error in judgement, despite having completed the ARU's integrity training, which includes the Member Protection Policy around Inclusion and Racism.
"Our players have been educated around the importance of respect and integrity on the field, and this incident was directly in conflict to these values.
"There is no place for homophobia or any form of discrimination in our game and we have endeavoured as a club to embody these values on and off the field.
"We pride ourselves on a strong culture, and this incident is by no means definitive of our collective identity as a football club."
