Aaron Mauger has been quoted in the New Zealand media as claiming some of the members of the New Zealand team were subjected to racial remarks by the Twickenham crowd last year.
The RFU have been quick to both deny and denounce the claims, but that will not put out the fire that is apparently smouldering in the build-up to this Sunday's Test match at Twickenham.
Mauger's allegations, which appeared prominently in the New Zealand media on Saturday, come less than 48 hours before the countries meet again at Twickenham, and in the wake of hooker Anton Oliver's comments about the English fans being 'arrogant' earlier this week.
The Canterbury centre, who is part-Samoan and will line up in Sunday's 82,000 sell-out Test, reportedly told New Zealand journalists: "In terms of the crowd, I think there were a few racial remarks made to a few of our boys last year.
"And a few of the guys took exception to it, which is fair enough because there is no place for that in sport.
"It seemed to be the Island guys who got picked on."
The RFU though, issued a swift dismissal of Mauger's reported remarks, with chief executive Francis Baron hitting back.
Baron said: "No allegations of any racist abuse were made during or after that game, and it is puzzling why they have now been made a year later.
"Rugby is an inclusive game for all, and the RFU abhors any form of discrimination or abuse based on colour, creed, sexual orientation or disability.
"The England fans who come to Twickenham are a credit to the ethos of rugby, and we have never had any allegations of racism levelled against them.
"It is disappointing that they have been unfairly accused like this. I have asked the New Zealand management to investigate Aaron Mauger's comments and to take the appropriate action."
Ed Dawes, general manager of the England Rugby Supporters' Club, added: "Our members are passionate and vocal, but we have never had any reports of racist abuse and we reject any accusations that they would engage in such activity."
All Blacks team manager Darren Shand was a lot more diplomatic.
“Unfortunately there is always a small number of fans who lack sportsmanship. That’s true all around the world, including New Zealand," Shand said.
"All fans should support their team, but a small minority can get carried away and direct comments at the opposition. This happens at almost every match we play, including last year’s Test at Twickenham.
"The England team was not involved in any way. We have every respect for the English and we share the RFU’s zero tolerance for racism in the game.
"We encourage English fans to support their team this weekend and New Zealand fans to support the All Blacks and to do so in good spirit.”
There is far too much racism in these "international" sports but I don't think it is going to stop anytime soon!
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