Wigan Warriors have reported an incident of racial abuse directed at player Junior Nsemba to both Greater Manchester Police and the Rugby Football League. The club confirmed the abuse occurred during a recent match, though specific details of the timing and nature of the incident have not been disclosed.
Club Response and Support
In a statement released on Tuesday, Wigan Warriors condemned the abuse and expressed full support for Nsemba. The club said: "We are disgusted that any player should be subjected to such treatment and we stand firmly with Junior. We will work with the authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable." The 21-year-old second-row forward has been with the club since joining the academy in 2021.
RFL Investigation
The Rugby Football League has confirmed it is investigating the matter and has offered its support to Nsemba. An RFL spokesperson said: "Racial abuse has no place in rugby league or society. We are assisting the club and police with their inquiries." The incident has sparked renewed calls for stronger action against discrimination in the sport.
Wider Context
This is not the first time Wigan Warriors have dealt with racial abuse. In 2023, the club reported a similar incident involving a fan targeting a player. The sport has been working to improve diversity and inclusion, with the RFL launching an anti-racism campaign in 2024. According to the RFL's annual report, reports of discrimination in rugby league increased by 15% in 2025, though the organization attributes this to better reporting mechanisms.
