The United Rugby Championship has requested a full report from Benetton after prop Cherif Traore accused his club teammates of racism.

Guinea-born Traore revealed on Wednesday that as part of a “Secret Santa” anonymous exchange of gifts, he received a rotten banana as a Christmas present.

“As well as considering the gesture offensive, the thing that hurt me the most was seeing most of my companions present laughing. As if everything was normal,” the 28-year-old, who has 16 caps for the national side, said on Instagram.

“I am used to, or rather I have had to get used to, having to put on a brave face every time I hear racist jokes… but yesterday was different.

“I have decided not to stay silent this time, so that events like this do not happen again… and hoping that the sender will learn a lesson”.

Responding to the incident, the United Rugby Championship released a statement on Thursday demanding answers from Benetton.

The United Rugby Championship has been in communication with Benetton Rugby regarding the incident first identified in a social media post of Cherif Traore the Italian international prop forward.

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.

There will be no further comment until we have additional information on the incident.

In an initial statement, Benetton said it condemned all forms of racism and discrimination.

It later said the whole team had been called to a meeting with top executives, who repeated their condemnation of racism, and all the players apologised to Traore.

Photo: ©INPHO/Elena Barbini