The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has fined Waratahs player Jacques Potgieter $20,000 (with $10,000 suspended) following an incident during Sunday afternoon’s match against the Brumbies where a homophobic slur was exchanged.

Brumbies star David Pocock twice alleged to the referee that a homophobic slur was used toward his team during their 28-13 loss to the NSW Waratahs on Sunday – less than 12 months after the ARU signed off on an “inclusion” policy.

Potgieter admitted making comments contrary to the ARU’s Inclusion Policy.

• Pockock allegation mars Super clash
• Is this England rugby’s greatest weapon?
• Hunt suspended for six weeks

The sanction was determined following an investigation by the ARU’s Integrity Unit, after the matter was referred to the ARU by SANZAR late Monday afternoon.

Waratahs Rugby CEO Greg Harris said in a statement that the incident was unfortunate, given the efforts of the sport to be an inclusive environment.

‘Comments of this nature cannot be tolerated’ ARU CEO Bill Pulve says. Photo: AAP

“Jacques made an error in judgement, despite having completed the ARU’s Integrity Training, which includes the Member Protection Policy around Inclusion and Racism,” Harris said.

“Our players have been educated around the importance of respect and integrity on the field, and this incident was directly in conflict to these values.

“There is no place for homophobia or any form of discrimination in our game and we have endeavoured as a club to embody these values on and off the field.

“We pride ourselves on a strong culture, and this incident is by no means definitive of our collective identity as a football club.”

ARU CEO Bill Pulver also said in a statement: “We take the issue of homophobia in sport seriously and want to provide a positive environment for everyone involved in rugby. Comments of this nature cannot be tolerated.”

“Our Inclusion Policy reinforces Australian Rugby’s commitment to ensure every individual, whether they’re players, supporters, coaches or administrators, feel safe, welcome and included regardless of race, gender or sexuality.

“I’d like to stress again that there is absolutely no place for homophobia or any form of discrimination in our game and our actions and words on and off the field must reflect that.”

Potgieter expressed remorse over the incident, and apologised for any harm caused by his remarks.

“I’m very sorry for any offence caused by what I said on the field during a heated encounter,” the South African backrower said.

“It was an offhand remark made without thought for the hurt it could cause to those around me.”

Potgieter’s penalty relates to a breach of the ARU Code of Conduct, which prohibits homophobic or racist comments.

The ARU, Waratahs, the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) and the player himself, have determined that the matter does not need to be heard by a tribunal and accepted this penalty.

He will be required to undergo additional educational and awareness training.

‘Homophobia not a problem at NSW Waratahs’: Folau

Earlier on Monday, Israel Folau said there was no room for homophobes in rugby union and he was certain homophobia was not a problem at the Waratahs.

Israel Folau says there’s no room for homophobes in rugby union. Photo: Getty

“Certainly not. Rugby’s a game of inclusion where everyone is welcomed in and so me personally I don’t think there’s any of that within this club and also in the game of rugby,” Folau said.

“Myself, I’m a religious guy. Everyone has different backgrounds, culture and different beliefs.”

Pocock has been an outspoken advocate for same-sex marriage, among other moral causes, and Folau said that was the Wallabies star’s business.

“Everyone’s different,” Folau said.

“I can’t comment on the way he is as a person. That’s not my place to say anything.”

Wallabies back-rower Wycliff Palu was also among Waratahs players who did media interviews on Monday but he declined to comment on Pocock’s allegations.

Palu also dismissed the suggestion that Pocock’s claims may impact on Wallabies relationships.

– with AAP