RFU 'distinguished member' banned for racist comment during 2022 Six Nations

Alex Murphy, who reportedly used the n-word, made the comment towards a volunteer during last year's game, according to the report.

"Following a hearing by an RFU panel, Murphy has been handed a 'time limited' ban from the stadium and had his distinguished membership removed," stated the announcement.

Murphy, who accepted the charge, had made an attempt to apologize to the volunteer, as mentioned by the panel.

"We agree with the RFU that the language was archaic and incredibly offensive and there can be no excuse for not knowing it was so offensive and for continuing to use it," the panel added.

"The language goes against the core principles of the game and the changes that the RFU and the game of rugby worldwide has been pursuing for some time," the panel further emphasized.

The RFU describes distinguished membership as "a series of privileges granted by [RFU] Council," and it is generally reserved for those who have previously been on the council for a significant period of time. Benefits include free tickets for England internationals.

"All of those who are elected to a position such as distinguished member, hold positions of authority," stated the release.

"The position brings with it high expectations of behavior and a breach of this nature would in the view of this panel represent a very serious breach by any person in a similar position," the statement concluded.

A troubling run of form leading up to the World Cup could spell the end if the them en in white don't come up with the goods at the tournament proper.

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Rob Baxter, who guided the Devon-based club from the Championship to European champions in 10 years has done this largely with a core of players that have come through the academy at Exeter.

With this season's club performance not at the level of previous years, it may be time for him to move on and into the Test game in the near futuree.

Although Baxter joined the England coaching team for the summer tour to Argentina and Uruguay in March 2013, he has no experience outside of Exeter. "I would be happy to have a chat about what the role is, how they see it working and what their plans and ambitions are," Baxter said of the England job back in December.

"Unless you know what it is, it's hard to say yes or no to anything. At the same time, I'm not looking for another job! I'm very happy here," he added.

Despite having signed a contract extension until 2025, Andy Farrell would likely be at the top of the list for the RFU if they were to make another coaching change, regardless of how well Ireland performs during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Currently, one of the coaches England would be most interested in having is Farrell, who is achieving impressive results and playing styles across the Irish Sea.

However, whether or not Farrell would want to return to the RFU, where he was previously the defence coach between 2011 and 2015 under Stuart Lancaster - who is currently working in Ireland with Leinster - and left under a cloud after England's disappointing 2015 home World Cup, is another matter altogether.

The La Rochelle coach was seen as one of the front-runners to replace Eddie Jones when he was sacked in December.

O’Gara has previously said he would be interested in the job because of the calibre of players available, but when linked to the job he admitted it would be a 'big leap'.

"There’s a lot to that, being the head man it’s very much your vision. Even two people who are very aligned sometimes don’t have the same vision.

“Then again, titles don’t really interest me too much and it’s just what role Scott would like to do, I would like to do and how you share responsibility.

“Even before that, it’s a big mental leap for me to decide upon.

“I wouldn’t have given that the time required, at the minute all I’ve said is that I wouldn’t rule it out, but if you were to commit to something like that I’d have to sit down with my family and work it out."