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Mauger alleges Twickenham racism Mauger alleges Twickenham racism
(about 3 hours later)
A racism row has broken out ahead of the Twickenham Test between England and New Zealand on Sunday.A racism row has broken out ahead of the Twickenham Test between England and New Zealand on Sunday.
Centre Aaron Mauger claims several New Zealand players were racially abused by sections of the Twickenham crowd during last year's game between the two sides.Centre Aaron Mauger claims several New Zealand players were racially abused by sections of the Twickenham crowd during last year's game between the two sides.
All Blacks manager Darren Shand said some fans got "carried away" but added: "The England team was not involved."All Blacks manager Darren Shand said some fans got "carried away" but added: "The England team was not involved."
Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron rejected the claims, saying the allegations were "puzzling".Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron rejected the claims, saying the allegations were "puzzling".
"No allegations of any racist abuse were made during or after that game, and it is puzzling why they have now been made a year later," Baron said."No allegations of any racist abuse were made during or after that game, and it is puzzling why they have now been made a year later," Baron said.
A few of the guys took exception to it, which is fair enough because there is no place for that in sport Aaron MaugerA few of the guys took exception to it, which is fair enough because there is no place for that in sport Aaron Mauger
"Rugby is an inclusive game for all, and the RFU abhors any form of discrimination or abuse based on colour, creed, sexual orientation or disability."Rugby is an inclusive game for all, and the RFU abhors any form of discrimination or abuse based on colour, creed, sexual orientation or disability.
"The England fans who come to Twickenham are a credit to the ethos of rugby, and we have never had any allegations of racism levelled against them."The England fans who come to Twickenham are a credit to the ethos of rugby, and we have never had any allegations of racism levelled against them.
"It is disappointing that they have been unfairly accused like this. I have asked the New Zealand management to investigate Aaron Mauger's comments and to take the appropriate action.""It is disappointing that they have been unfairly accused like this. I have asked the New Zealand management to investigate Aaron Mauger's comments and to take the appropriate action."
Mauger's comments, which have received widespread coverage in New Zealand, concern the fixture in November last season which the All Blacks won 23-19.Mauger's comments, which have received widespread coverage in New Zealand, concern the fixture in November last season which the All Blacks won 23-19.
"In terms of the crowd, I think there were a few racial remarks made to a few of our boys last year," he said."In terms of the crowd, I think there were a few racial remarks made to a few of our boys last year," he said.
"And a few of the guys took exception to it, which is fair enough because there is no place for that in sport."And a few of the guys took exception to it, which is fair enough because there is no place for that in sport.
"It seemed to be the (Pacific) Island guys who got picked on.""It seemed to be the (Pacific) Island guys who got picked on."
We have every respect for the English and we share the RFU's zero tolerance for racism in the game All Blacks manager Darren ShandWe have every respect for the English and we share the RFU's zero tolerance for racism in the game All Blacks manager Darren Shand
The comments are sure to raise tensions ahead of Sunday's fixture, which is being held to celebrate the opening of Twickenham's South Stand.The comments are sure to raise tensions ahead of Sunday's fixture, which is being held to celebrate the opening of Twickenham's South Stand.
Mauger has been paired with Ma'a Nonu in midfield for the game.Mauger has been paired with Ma'a Nonu in midfield for the game.
"Unfortunately there is always a small number of fans who lack sportsmanship," added Shand. "That's true all around the world, including New Zealand."Unfortunately there is always a small number of fans who lack sportsmanship," added Shand. "That's true all around the world, including New Zealand.
"All fans should support their team, but a small minority can get carried away and direct comments at the opposition."All fans should support their team, but a small minority can get carried away and direct comments at the opposition.
"This happens at almost every match we play, including last year's Test at Twickenham."This happens at almost every match we play, including last year's Test at Twickenham.
"The England team was not involved in any way. We have every respect for the English and we share the RFU's zero tolerance for racism in the game."The England team was not involved in any way. We have every respect for the English and we share the RFU's zero tolerance for racism in the game.
"We encourage English fans to support their team this weekend and New Zealand fans to support the All Blacks and to do so in good spirit.""We encourage English fans to support their team this weekend and New Zealand fans to support the All Blacks and to do so in good spirit."
Earlier this week, Kiwi hooker Anton Oliver described England fans as "arrogant" and having "colonial attitudes" in a newspaper interview.Earlier this week, Kiwi hooker Anton Oliver described England fans as "arrogant" and having "colonial attitudes" in a newspaper interview.