Racism: Harrison stands down

2005-03-17 08:45

Sydney - Wallaby lock Justin Harrison said on Thursday he would stand down from the Waratahs team until a disciplinary hearing investigated a racial comment he admitted making to a South African player in a Super 12 match last weekend.

Harrison has been in the headlines here after he admitted at a press conference on Wednesday that he had racially abused black Cats winger Chumani Booi during last Saturday's in Johannesburg.

Cats' management have lodged an official complaint to governing body Sanzar over the incident.

Harrison issued a statement through the NSW Rugby Union on Thursday saying that in the best interests of the Waratahs' team it would be best that he did not play in Saturday's match against South Africa's Stormers in Sydney.

"I've asked to be stood down until a hearing takes place," Harrison said in the statement on Thursday.

"In the best interest of the team, and the supporters I believe I should not play this weekend.

"I'm still coming to terms with the ramifications of what I said and for the moment it's better that I do that away from the team.

"As I said yesterday (Wednesday), I deeply regret what I said to Chumani and I have sent letters to South Africa to apologise."

Waratahs head coach Ewen McKenzie said he had accepted Harrison's decision to stand down.

"Justin has done what he believes is in the best interest of the Waratahs," McKenzie said in the statement.

"We considered taking the same action but are bound to follow Sanzar's disciplinary process which is now in the hands of South African officials."

NSWRU officials said they were awaiting official notification before any further action was taken.

Harrison's withdrawal opened the way for Alex Kanaar to partner Wallaby lock Daniel Vickerman in the Waratahs' lineout for the game with the Stormers.

- AFP