World Rugby has launched a serious investigation into the chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), which has backed Sir Bill Beaumont’s bid for re-election as boss of the world game.
Francis Kean is under pressure to resign amid accusations of homophobia and discrimination, as revealed by the Sunday Times.
The inquiry into Kean was launched by World Rugby after a story in The Sunday Times, which referred not only to Kean’s conviction for manslaughter in 2007 but also allegations of homophobia, writes @owenslot https://t.co/uANJTBmTzg
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) April 19, 2020
“World Rugby notes allegations in the UK Sunday Times about Fiji Rugby Union chairman Ratu Vilikesa Bulewa Francis Kean and takes the nature of these allegations extremely seriously,” said a statement from the governing body.
“Rugby is a sport built on strong and inclusive values and World Rugby does not in any way condone abusive or discriminatory behaviour as enshrined within its bye-laws.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further until we have discussed the matter fully with the Fiji Rugby Union and have established all the facts.”
LIST | Five times rugby players were arrested on team socials
Sometimes team socials go from being a quiet drink to something a lot more wild. Here’s five players who got a little too drunk…
1. Andy Powell – Wales
Powell was arrested “for taking and driving away a golf buggy” a few hours after the Welsh team’s last-minute victory over Scotland in their 2010 Six Nations match. He was arrested near Junction 33 on the M4 motorway at 0600 GMT 14 February 2010.
The brilliant Andy Powell golf buggy video that will have you cracking up with laughter https://t.co/DO4hRtA8Yf
— WalesOnline Rugby (@WalesRugby) October 11, 2016
The following day, for behaviour “contrary to the squad’s code of conduct”, he was removed from Wales’ 35-man training squad for the Six Nations 2010, and played no further part in the tournament He was later given a 15-month driving ban and fined after admitting the offence at Cardiff Magistrates court.