“We agree with the RFU that the language was archaic and incredibly offensive and there can be no excuse for not knowing it was so offensive and for continuing to use it”; RFU releases statement as former council member banned from Twickenham for use of racist language
Last Updated: 09/05/23 7:54pm
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has banned a former council member from Twickenham over use of racist language
A former Rugby Football Union council member has been banned from Twickenham after admitting making racist comments at a Six Nations match last year.
The announcement comes barely a month after the publication of a damning report, commissioned by the RFU, stating racism exists at all levels of the professional game in England.
According to a summary of the case published by the RFU, Alex Murphy said to an unnamed volunteer as they walked to the council box at the England vs Wales game in 2022, ‘You realise they don’t let [racial expletive] in the Royal Box’.
A similar comment was then repeated in the bar area, with both “clearly heard” by the volunteer and their spouse, who was distressed by the remarks.
Murphy accepted the charge and that his behaviour had breached the RFU council’s code of conduct of expected behaviours from council members, distinguished members, past presidents and other volunteers.
The RFU said it had “imposed a time-limited stadium ban” on Murphy, as well as removing “the title of distinguished members …