Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda has stated that alleged racist language used by players in Bermuda while here for the World Rugby Classic could not be corroborated — but that reports of incidents in the opening weekend had led to a rift with the community.

A statement from Curb responded to one of two separate matters.

Curb commented on an allegation of a racial slur at a hotel separate from the sports event. The allegation surfaced on Sunday in a social-media post that was pulled later that day.

Separately, an incident of alleged indecent exposure was caught on video at the event itself.

A Lions Legends player left Bermuda at the close of the weekend’s matches in the wake of a video that hit social media showing a naked man in one of the Classic’s tents at the National Sports Centre riding on a mechanical bull before a staff member intervened.

A police investigation was initiated.

Organisers of the Classic acknowledged the alleged use of racist epithets by two athletes on Saturday night at a South Shore hotel.

John Kane, president of the World Rugby Classic, said last night that the sports body “unequivocally condemns the racist incident” and that the group was “aware of the obvious and understandable outrage it has caused”.

He added: “There is simply no tolerance for racism, discrimination or hate speech of any kind to be inflicted on our community.”

Mr Kane said WRC was continuing to look into the matter but added that “no information has come to light that can confirm it was a Classic rugby player who was involved”.

“Should we discover that it was a player, we will take the strongest action available to us, including, but not limited to, a permanent ban from the tournament, and a further statement will be issued.”

It followed claims in a Facebook post that a group of rugby players used the slurs after looking in at a late-night party in the Coco Reef Resort in Paget, before leaving.

Curb confirmed it had been told by rugby organisers that it was impossible to confirm whether the offending group had been involved in the Classic.

Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, confirmed yesterday that investigations into both incidents had stalled in the absence of any formal complaints.

However, Curb said the furore over both allegations had set off a “serious breach of trust” with the community.

The group said its council was aware of the complaint of a racist incident.

A statement added: “Our immediate concern and empathy is for Bermudians who witnessed and suffered this disgusting, hurtful experience at the hands of a guest to our country.”

The group spoke twice on Monday with the person who made the original social-media post, saying she had witnessed the incident at the resort entrance.

Mr Kane, in an earlier statement, said that Classic organisers had got in touch with Curb to “seek their advice on how to best manage the situation and will work with them on this issue”.

Mr Kane added that the sporting body was examining security camera footage from Saturday night, and that “any type of offensive or racist behaviour will not be tolerated and will be dealt with harshly”.

In a statement on Tuesday night, Curb announced: “We can therefore advise the public that today Curb was told that despite their endeavours, the organisers are still unable to identify the person, the team, or even if they were rugby players .

“As Curb was told that the person arrived in a public service vehicle, we provided the organisers with an additional avenue to pursue and were told they will continue to try to identify the culprit.”

The group added that beyond provisions in the Human Rights Act, racial harassment or intimidation were crimes under the criminal code.

Curb said it was open for the original complainant or Classic organisers to take the matter to police.

The statement added: “Since the organisers have not yet identified the person, the unknown ‘guest’ is likely still on-island and enjoying the resources, charm and hospitality of the very people he racially insulted.

“In fact, without further action, he will be free to return to Bermuda to racially abuse Black Bermudians and residents again; that is a wholly unacceptable outcome for Curb.

“Messages on social media and calls to Curb members reveal that there has been a severe breach of trust between the Rugby Classic and Bermudians, with some Bermudians calling for a suspension of the event.“

The group called for a formal apology from organisers.

Curb also said the athletes and their team should apologise, with “a statement from all participating teams pledging to be anti-racist; a commitment that penalties for racism/discrimination are embedded in tournaments’ rules for the future, and statements from the ministers responsible for sport and for tourism condemning the act”.

“As Curb is the pre-eminent restorative practices organisation in Bermuda, we remain constantly available to help parties find common ground, if not peace, after conflicts.

“Accordingly, we hope and trust our experience and expertise can be used to resolve this distasteful episode.”

The police commissioner said officers had spoken with “several individuals” regarding the claims of a racial slur being used at the hotel.

However, Mr Simons said that witnesses had “declined to come forward and file a complaint”.

He said police had not reviewed security footage from the hotel.

Mr Simons added that investigations into both incidents had been stymied by the lack of witnesses willing to appear in court.

On the alleged indecent exposure at the rugby, Mr Simons said nothing had been reported that night to officers on duty.

Police were alerted to the incident through social media and had since spoken with the company that operated the tent where it occurred, as well as representatives of the owner of the ride.

The lack of any complaints into the incidents has “significantly hampered our efforts”, Mr Simons said, putting investigations at “a standstill”.