Harrison apologises to Booi over slur
Cats rugby winger Chumani Booi has accepted an apology from Waratahs lock Justin Harrison over the racist remark the Wallabies second rower made to him in last weekend's Super 12 match in Johannesburg.
Earlier on Thursday, Harrison voluntarily stood himself down from the Waratahs side to play another South African team, the Stormers, in Sydney on Saturday.
Booi and teammate, fullback Conrad Jantjes were initially adamant it was Harrison's teammate, centre Nathan Grey, who made the remark.
However, Booi's acceptance of Harrison's apology appeared to have suggested he now accepted it was the second rower who made the comment, not Grey.
Australian Rugby Union Players Association Tony Dempsey and his South African Rugby Players Association counterpart Piet Heymans brokered the conversation between the two players shortly before 10pm (AEDT) on Thursday night.
"Specifically Justin expressed his contrition and remorse for the remarks he made during the game," said Dempsey, who was also acting as Harrison's legal counsel.
"Justin offered his unconditional apology for those remarks, which Chumani Booi unreservedly accepted.
"Justin continued to remain disappointed by the remarks but looks forward to resolution of the matter according to South Africa New Zealand Australia Rugby (SANZAR).
"Speaking directly to the aggrieved player, he now feels better for having done that, but understands there is still a procedure that may take place with SANZAR and is prepared to go through that."
Dempsey said there was no news yet on whether Harrison had been cited by the citing commissioner at last weekend's match, and wasn't sure where any hearing would be conducted.
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