Rugby cannot be complacent over racism says Itoje
MARO ITOJE has warned rugby not to be complacent about the scourge of racism.
The England star was sickened by the scenes in Bulgaria on Monday, when fans targeted England footballers Tyrone Mings, Raheem Sterling, below, and Marcus Rashford for racist abuse.
But Itoje believes rugby cannot allow itself to believe it is immune to the issue.
Itoje said ahead of Saturday’sWorld Cup quarter-final against Australia: “It was appalling, just abysmal.
“It’s terrible they have to experience that when they just want to go out and play the game they love.
“Football is such a beautiful game and it’s a shame it’s being tarnished by people with racist minds.
“I’m very happy that for the most part in rugby there’s a different climate and that stuff doesn’t happen.”
Asked what he meant by “for the most part”, the Londonborn forward said: “I know people in rugby who have experienced it in the professional game and grass roots…
“Rugby is probably – from the sports that I’ve seen – right up there in terms of integrity, respect and how they treat people.
“But it’s important never to assume it’s always going to be that way, that this is a free zone from any form of discrimination.
“It is something that we have to keep on top of. I’m sure, a couple of years ago, when this sort of thing wasn’t as rife in football, they assumed that it was all OK.”
Sterling called on players earlier this year to speak out against racial abuse to ensure the problem is taken seriously.
Itoje, one of rugby’s highest profile black players, said: “I’m all for player empowerment.
“I’m all for players speaking up when they feel there are injustices done to them.
“It is important for players who are subject to this kind of abuse and discrimination that they do speak up.
“But the associations and teams need to take a tougher stand too. I’m not even sure what the punishment is but it needs to be more severe, because it is obviously not acting as a deterrent.” Itoje admits Saturday’s game will be the biggest game of his life.
“It feels huge,” he said. “This is a scenario I haven’t been in before, which is partly why it is so exciting. The greater the risk the greater the reward.
“It’s knock-out, there’s no tomorrow here, it’s do or die. It’s about performing.”
Jonny May is set to win his 50th cap and, having come through a full training session yesterday, Billy Vunipola is also expected to start.
Vunipola has not hit form yet, with defence coach John Mitchell admitting he was having to make a couple of “little adjustments” to his game as opponents “start to read you”.