LEINSTER RUGBY HAVE moved to downplay allegations of racism aimed at Brian Mujati during the side’s match against Northampton on Friday.

The player had accused Leinster’s South African duo, Heinke van der Merwe and Steven Sykes, of racism.

Following these claims, the club launched an internal investigation into the matter.

However, following the investigation, they downplayed these claims and defended the duo in a statement on their official website, which read:

“Following the allegations made by a Northampton Saints player in the aftermath of Friday night’s friendly between Leinster Rugby and Northampton Saints, Leinster Rugby acknowledge that there was an exchange during the match between two Leinster players which was misinterpreted.”

Heinke van der Merwe and Steven Sykes had been alleged to have called Brian Mujati a “baboon” during the match, according to the player’s Twitter feed.

In tweets that have since been deleted, Mujati wrote:

“Steven Sykes and Heinke van der Merwe were calling me a baboon during the scrums last night. Racism is still alive and things don’t change.”

He later added:

“Last night my wife told me to let it go. Gonna get a lecture when I get home, but sometimes you gotta drop a few truth bombs.”

Leinster, who were missing several World Cup stars, were beaten 14-19 by Northampton, with Fionn Carr and Jason Harris-Wright scoring a try each for the hosts.

For more information, read the official Leinster website>

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