Mr Tutt is a Kamilaroi man and former NSW Young Australian of the Year, who said he has worn Indigenous designed headgear for the past three years.

"It happened before (my game) whilst I was on my own," he told NITV News.

"There were players around but they didn't hear it and I trust them on that."

He also said he'd quit rugby union the next day, in response to the incident.

The Pirates indicated it would be lodging a formal complaint with Rugby Union NSW.

The Kempsey Cannonballs rugby union football club said they were advised on Monday by the Port Macquarie Pirates about the alleged racial abuse.

In a statement, the club said they'd contacted Mr Tutt and apologised.

"We are continuing to investigate the incident and have escalated to NSW Rugby and await advice," they stated.

The club believes the individual responsible has no connection to the Cannonballs.

Mr Tutt said he had nothing but love and respect for Kempsey.

"I want to make it clear it's not a reflection on the Kempsey Cannonballs or their club, they're really great guys and I love playing against them," he told the Argus.

"They're always welcome at my place anytime, I love them to bits."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

Bookmark our website

Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters

You can support us with a subscription

Follow us on Twitter: @portmacnews

Follow us on Instagram: @portmacnews

Follow us on Google News