Hurricanes forward Du'Plessis Kirifi has alleged he was racially abused during the Super Rugby Pacific win over the Waratahs last weekend.
On Monday, Kirifi - who's of Samoan heritage - took to social media to reveal he'd been targeted for abuse by the crowd at Sydney's Leichhardt Oval on Saturday, when the Hurricanes escaped with a 22-18 win courtesy of a late Ardie Savea try.
"I love the arena, I love to compete alongside my teammates and I love when the crowds are hyped and throw chat from the stands," he wrote in an Instagram post.
"But there’s a line and just because you’re in the crowd doesn’t give you the right to talk about my mother or my race."
"Abuse from the sideline is part of our job, and it’s a part I personally love - however this doesn’t justify racial slurs or comments about my family."
The 25-year-old was captured making an offensive gesture towards the crowd during the match, which he apologised for in his post.
"I passionately wear my heart on my sleeve but I'm nowhere near perfect," he added. "I admire my teammates who are mature enough to be non-reactive and hopefully the next time I’m in this position I show the same resolve.
"As athletes we're in the public eye so I apologise to anyone disappointed by my actions, especially those with kids who look up to us as professionals.
"If I had my time again I'd definitely act in a different way."
Last year, Kirifi was fined by police for hosting and attending parties during COVID-19 level 4 lockdown with his partner, netballer Mila Reuelu-Buchanan.
Currently fifth in the Super Rugby Pacific standings, the Hurricanes host Melbourne Rebels at Sky Stadium on Saturday.
