Maori player banned or racism
The Canterbury Metropolitan Judicial Committee found Munro guilty of misconduct – following a complaint laid by the Southbridge Rugby Football Club.
Munro, 23, was accused of making racially abusive comments towards a Southbridge player in a match between Southbridge and Waihora on June 11 this year. The committee found him guilty of "Acts or statements that are discriminatory by reason of religion, race, sex or national or ethnic origin."
Tim Gilkison, General Manager of Canterbury Rugby said the suspension was at the serious end of the sanction available to the committee.
"Munro has been suspended from all rugby matches, including any on-field activities, until May 31, 2017. Waihora has also been put on notice with respect to conduct by players and spectators at any future rugby games.
"This sort of racial abuse is simply unacceptable, either in rugby or in society in general. We are committed to doing anything in our power to stamp out this sort of behaviour in our game, but we can only act when we receive a complaint. That is why we are encouraging all of those involved in the game to come forward, as Southbridge Club did, when such behaviour was witnessed. That complaint has allowed us to reach the outcome that we have,” he said.
"While we do not usually release findings of the Judicial Committee, in light of public and media speculation about this incident, we have decided to do so in this case. We also hope it serves as a timely reminder to others that we will simply not condone any form of racism in rugby."
