Here’s the roundup of the latest rugby news for Friday 23rd December.

Benetton suspend player after racist performance of ‘Secret Santa’.

Benetton Rugby have suspended a player after Sheriff Traore was handed a rotten banana during the club’s secret friend exchange of gifts.

The shocking incident sparked outrage at the game and the United Rugby Championship asked the club to provide a “full report”.

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And Benetton has now suspended the player responsible pending an investigation.

“The FIR informs that the Federal Public Ministry has opened the necessary investigations to establish the facts, as well as the collective and individual responsibility, in order to protect the fundamental values ​​and reputation of the game”, said the FIR and Benetton Treviso in a statement. joint statement. 🇧🇷

“Benetton Rugby has simultaneously decided to suspend one of its members as a precautionary measure pending an investigation by the prosecution.”

Traore, who was born in Guinea and has lived in Italy since he was a child, spoke out about the offensive gesture on social media. A meeting was then called in which the team and the player who gave him the banana apologized to Traoré.

A statement from the URC said: “Benetton Rugby has been asked to provide a full account of what happened and what significant action will be taken as a result.

“Racism and discrimination of any kind is abhorrent, completely unacceptable in society and totally at odds with the values ​​of rugby and Rugby Union.”

Robinson leaves Cardiff

Ollie Robinson left Cardiff Rugby by mutual consent.

The winger, who arrived injured from Bristol in the 2017-18 season, made 80 appearances for the club.

He spent January 2022 on loan at Leicester but is now gone for good.

“I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved on and off the pitch in my five years at the club,” he said in confirming his departure.

“I will always be grateful to Cardiff and especially the fans for the incredible welcome they gave me and my family at Arms Park.

Peel ready for ‘huge’ Osprey derby

Dwayne Peele says his Scarlets side will not ignore the importance of the Boxing Day derby against the Ospreys.

The Scarlets head to Swansea after two convincing wins in the European Challenge Cup, while the Ospreys head home after triumphing over French champions Montpellier.

Bragging rights are up for grabs again, and Peel insists he and his team aren’t losing sight of the importance of this game.

“It’s not just another game, is it? It’s a big derby and I want the players to treat it that way,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s hard to eat Christmas dinner because you’re nervous about the big game. It’s the only thing I don’t miss as a player.

“It is always a big and exciting event. I hope it continues because emotion plays a huge role in rugby.

“It’s one of the biggest rivalries in the game. It’s not unlike Gloucester v Bath or Northampton v Leicester, which always have that extra edge.

“We want to have a lot of people there because it helps with productivity and keeps the memory alive. I still remember playing Liberty against a sold out Boxing Day game.

“It’s very important to me that players recognize, enjoy and enjoy these great events.”

Raiders leave RFL

Gavin Hanson’s former rugby team, the West Wales Raiders, have announced their withdrawal from the professional RFL for the 2023 season.

The club’s owners are looking for another investor to manage the club after five years of professional work. However, they claim the financial realities of running a club in League One have turned away many interested parties.

Co-owner Peter Tiffin said: “It took the two of us (Peter and Andrew) a long time to make that decision, it was difficult as we went from being an amateur club in Mynidd and Garragh to playing against them. 🇧🇷 the likes of the Bradford Bulls and Widnes at Stebonheath Park.

“Raiders is something we are both proud to have built from the ground up, there were so many highlights it would be hard to name just a few.

“I want to thank all the people who have been involved in the club’s work from day one until now, because without you the club would never have been able to continue.

“Players, staff, sponsors, directors, fans, volunteers and many others who were involved, I want to thank you all for all the effort you have put into the club and I hope you continue to play and support the WRL with your efforts in the future of sport in the Country of Welsh

“Andrew and I will continue to support the RFL and WRL and look for a new group to keep the club in the Welsh professional ranks.”

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