Cal Gaunt
A rugby coach has apologised after a number of his players refused to wear a dedicated ‘pride jersey’.
Des Hasler, head coach of one of Australia’s top Rugby League teams, Manly Sea Eagles, issued an apology to some of his own players, the LGBTQI community and the other 15 National Rugby League (NRL) clubs following the controversy.
In an unusual and rambling press conference, he told Fox Sports Australia: “We wish to apologise to the LGBTQ community who embrace the rainbow colours and use these colours for pride and advocacy and human rights issues.
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“Our intent was to be caring and compassionate towards all diverse groups who face inclusion issues daily.
“However, instead of enhancing tolerance, and acceptance, we may have hindered this.”
The emotional coach then quoted Gandhi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Manly stars Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Taofofoa Sipley are alleged to be those who refused to wear the rainbow adorned strip, which Hasler deemed ‘a significant mistake’.
He also said his club had been guilty of ‘poor management’ ahead of the kit launch which had caused ‘confusion, discomfort and pain’.
He went on to say that he did not ask any of the players who refused to wear the shirt to reconsider their decisions.
Hasler said: “No one is forced to do anything in this game. The decision is clear, some people feel strongly about certain things and that is fine.
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“It is a good initiative and it puts 17 people out there who will do many people proud and make those feeling vulnerable a bit more welcome in society.”
In a separate statement, club captain Daly Cherry-Evans said the seven refusers had not consulted him on the issue after being asked if he was concerned for their mental health after being branded ‘bigots’.
He said: “Stuff like this isn’t a topic of conversation, so we’re experiencing a lot of things for the first time as a playing group.”
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