Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby headlines for Friday, December 23.
Benetton suspend player after racist 'Secret Santa' present
Benetton Rugby have suspended a player after prop Cherif Traore received a rotten banana in the club's anonymous Secret Santa gift swap.
The shocking incident has sparked outrage across the game, with the United Rugby Championship asking the club to conduct a 'full report'.
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And Benetton have now suspended the player responsible until that investigation has been concluded.
"The FIR informs that the federal prosecutor has launched the investigations necessary to ascertain the facts, as well as the collective and individual responsibilities, to protect the founding values and reputation of the game," said a joint statement from the FIR and Benetton Treviso.
"Benetton Rugby has simultaneously decided to suspend one of its members as a precaution, for the entire duration of the investigations by the public prosecutor's office."
Traore, who was born in Guinea and has lived in Italy since childhood, revealed the offensive gesture on social media. A meeting was then called where the squad, and the player who gave him the banana, apologised to Traore.
A URC statement said: "Benetton Rugby has been asked to provide a full report on what has occurred and what meaningful action will be taken as a result.
"Racism and discrimination of any kind are abhorrent, completely unacceptable in society and are utterly counter to the values of the sport of rugby and the United Rugby Championship."
Robinson leaves Cardiff
Olly Robinson has left Cardiff Rugby by mutual consent.
The flanker, who first joined as injury cover from Bristol during the 2017-18 season, made 80 appearances for the side.
He spent a stint out at Leicester on loan back in January 2022, but has now moved on for good.
"I am incredibly proud of what I achieved on and off the pitch during my five years at the club," he said when confirming his departure.
"I will always be grateful to Cardiff, and particularly the fans for the amazing way they welcomed my family and me at the Arms Park."
Peel ready for 'huge' Ospreys derby
Dwayne Peel says his Scarlets side won't overlook the importance of their derby clash with the Ospreys on Boxing Day.
The Scarlets head to Swansea on the back of two comfortable wins in the European Challenge Cup, while Ospreys return home after triumphing over French champions Montpellier.
Bragging rights are once again at stake, and Peel insists the importance of this game isn't lost on him and his side.
“This is not just another game, is it. It’s a big derby game and I want the players to treat it that way,” he said.
“It can be difficult sometimes eating your Christmas dinner because you are feeling nervous with the big game coming up. That’s the one thing I don’t miss about being a player.
“It’s always a big, emotional occasion. I hope that always continues because emotion plays a big part in rugby.
“This is one of the big rivalries in the game. It’s no different to Gloucester v Bath or Northampton v Leicester, games that always have an added bit of spice to them.
“We want a big crowd there because that drives performance and helps the memories to last. I still remember playing at the Liberty in front of a sell-out crowd in the Boxing Day game.
“It’s huge for me that players recognise, relish and enjoy these big occasions.”
Raiders withdraw from RFL
Gavin Henson's former rugby league side West Wales Raiders have announced their withdrawal from the RFL professional league for the 2023 season.
The club's owners are looking for another investor to take the reins after overseeing five years within the professional game. However, they claim the financial realities of running a club in League 1 has put off many interested parties.
Part owner Peter Tiffin said: “It’s taken us both (Peter & Andrew) a long time to come to this decision, it’s been a difficult one to make as we have grown the club from an amateur club back in Mynydd y Garreg to playing against the likes of Bradford Bulls and Widnes at Stebonheath Park.
"Raiders was something that we both were proud to say we created from scratch, there has been so many highlights that it would be hard just to state a few.
"I want to thank every single person who has been involved with the club from day 1 to now as without you the club could have never been able to continue.
"The players, staff, sponsors, directors, supporters, volunteers and many others who have been involved, I want to thank you all for every single effort you have shown to the club and I hope you continue within the game and support WRL with their efforts on the future of the sport within Wales.
"Myself and Andrew will continue to support both RFL & WRL and endeavour to try and find a new group to keep a club within the professional ranks from Wales.”
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