The Australian Rugby Union fined Jacques Potgieter A$20,000 following an incident during Sunday's Vodacom Super Rugby match against the Brumbies.

Potgieter pleaded guilty to making comments contrary to the ARU's Inclusion Policy and was handed a hefty fine, of which A$10,000 is suspended, and ordered to undergo additional educational and awareness training. 

The incident follows the endorsement of an ARU Inclusion Policy in August 2014, which is designed to stamp out all forms of discrimination and homophobia in rugby.

'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,' said ARU CEO Bill Pulver.

'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 has 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,' Potgieter said. 'It was an off-hand remark made without thought for the hurt it could cause to those around me.'

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