Rugby Australia condemns deplorable crowd incidents at SCG

Rugby Australia has responded to incidents that occurred within the crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the Third Test of the Wallabies’ series with England held on Saturday night – giving a life ban to a fan who allegedly urinated off the top of the O'Reilly Stand while also condemning 'offensive remarks' from another fan directed towards England coach, Eddie Jones.

Jones, who coached the Wallabies from 2001 to 2005, was walking onto the SCG following England’s 21-17 victory when an Australian fan pointed at the English coach calling him a “traitor”.

A Rugby Football Union spokesperson confirmed Jones was heckled on multiple occasions both pre and post-game.

Meanwhile the 31-year-old male spectator who climbed onto the roof of the Sydney Cricket Ground and allegedly urinated off the top of the O'Reilly Stand during the Wallabies' loss to England has been banned for life from Rugby Australia events and following his arrest, charged by NSW Police with behaving in an offensive manner in/near a public place and climbing on buildings on scheduled lands without approval.

In a statement released by Rugby Australia, Chief Executive Andy Marinos notes “the deplorable actions of the alleged intruder that made his way to the roof of the grandstand were disgraceful and dangerous.

“This individual has been issued with a life ban from Rugby Australia events – and we will continue to support the authorities in their handling of the matter.

“The offensive remarks made by spectators in the Members’ areas towards England staff were unacceptable – and not representative of the values of Rugby.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviour, and we are working with Venues NSW on appropriate sanctions for these individuals.

“Rugby prides itself on values of respect and integrity – as seen in the players of both teams after the final whistle of a hard-fought series at the SCG on Saturday night.

“It is our expectation that spectators adhere to these values of respect and integrity when attending Rugby matches – and, we would hope, in society in general.

“Please, cheer for your team with all that you have – but please, always show respect for others.”

Image: England coach Eddie Jones was captured responding angrily following a patron’s sledge at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday night. Twitter: Adam Peacock