Harrison in racial slur row

ULSTER’S big-name signing Justin Harrison will not play again for his Super 12 side New South Wales Waratahs until a disciplinary hearing takes place after he admitted making a racial comment to a South African player last weekend.

Harrison, due to join Ulster next season on a three-year deal, admitted to racially abusing Cats’ black winger Chumani Booi during last Saturday’s Super 12 match in Johannesburg.

Cats’ management have lodged an official complaint to governing body Sanzar over the incident. And Harrison yesterday issued a statement through the NSW Rugby Union saying that in the best interests of the Waratahs’ team, he would not play in tomorrow’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 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.”

Fixtures: Tomorrow: Waratahs (AUS) v Stormers (SA); Cats (SA) v Brumbies (AUS); Hurricanes (NZ) v Bulls (SA); Sharks (SA) v Highlanders (NZ); Blues (NZ) v Crusaders (NZ).