The National Rugby League (LNR) has strongly condemned the racist remarks made by Melvyn Jaminet, a full-back for RC Toulon and member of the French national rugby team. The condemnation comes after a video surfaced on Instagram showing Jaminet making offensive comments while appearing visibly intoxicated. In the video, Jaminet is heard saying, 'I swear, the first Arab I meet on the road, I'll give him a helmet.'
Following the video's release, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) acted swiftly, labeling the comments as 'totally unacceptable' and immediately excluding Jaminet from the national team. The FFR emphasized that such remarks are 'contrary to the fundamental values of our sport.'
The LNR echoed these sentiments, stating, 'Rugby is a sport of living together that carries values of respect, group spirit, altruism, and diversity.' The league also announced that it is awaiting the results of an internal investigation being conducted by the FFR.
Jaminet, who has 20 caps with the French national team, has since posted an apology on Instagram, expressing his deep regret and shame for his words. Despite his apology, both the FFR and RC Toulon have distanced themselves from the player, with the latter also launching its own internal investigation.
The incident occurred while the French national team is on tour in South America. Jaminet participated in a recent match against Argentina, where the French team secured a 28-13 victory. The team is scheduled to play Uruguay in Montevideo on Wednesday, followed by a return match against Argentina in Buenos Aires on July 13.
- The video that led to the condemnation was posted on Instagram and has since been deleted. It showed Jaminet visibly intoxicated and making the offensive remarks. The player's apology on Instagram came on Sunday evening, where he described himself as 'deeply sorry and ashamed' of his comments.
- The FFR and RC Toulon have both initiated internal investigations to address the incident. The LNR has expressed its support for these investigations and reiterated the importance of upholding the values of respect, group spirit, altruism, and diversity in rugby.
- The French national rugby team, also known as the XV of France, is currently on a tour in South America. They recently won a match against Argentina and are set to face Uruguay in Montevideo. The tour will conclude with another match against Argentina in Buenos Aires on July 13.
