By Richard Rayner
The Australian Rugby Union recently announced their intention to create a policy to stamp out homophobia.
Like clockwork, there were some who began questioning the priorities of the Australian Rugby Union in pursuing such a policy while the Wallabies were…well…being challenged on the pitch. (challenged hahahahahahaha O'Connor was probably vertically challenged when Federal Police escorted him from the Airport)
It occurred to me that many people may simply regard rugby as a game played at peak competition, failing to recognise the value of the union that acts as a foundation for the game.
While rugby union is a game of strength, skill and speed, it remains a game of different body types and specific skill sets played across all levels ages and abilities. And sexuality.
Rugby union has always been a sport that has challenged stereotypes. With a history dating back to 1864 in Australia, it is fondly remembered by some as a sport for every body.
The Melbourne Chargers, Brisbane Hustlers and Sydney Convicts have been challenging amateur rugby union clubs for a number of years to stamp out homophobia on sporting fields, to create a game for everybody, with various levels of success.
They have long stood for inclusiveness and a fair go for all in sport but it has sometimes been a struggle to find broader support at the grassroots level for such a movement.
They exist because there is a need. But they shouldn’t have to.
In local competitions, homophobia in sport is still common and is often a barrier for young people playing sport.
But the issue is now starting to get the attention it needs with major codes around the world starting to adopt anti-homophobia policies.
It’s sad to think of the talent that may have been lost over the years because the right environment and support mechanisms didn’t exist.
As Australian gay and inclusive rugby teams come together in Melbourne for the annual gay rugby fixture, the Purchas Cup, a discussion about how best to tackle homophobia in sport at all levels of the game is underway.
To complement the inclusion policy, regional rugby teams throughout New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland will soon have the opportunity to hold joint training sessions with gay rugby teams from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, with a particular focus on teams that may not be exposed to many gay and lesbian people.
Resources for coaches and sporting team management will help them deal with and reduce homophobia in their organisations and a ‘Sporting Heroes End Homophobia’ ambassador program will set the right tone from our sporting role models.
Those participating and speaking out against homophobia in rugby union already include John Eales, Nick Farr-Jones, David Pocock and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
The opportunity is there for Australia to lead the way in shaping an inclusive sporting culture that fosters growth at the grassroots level, provides options to maintain engagement with talent and builds a solid support base in a competitive market.
Much of the credit for this work must go to the Bingham Cup organisers who have created the momentum and environment for change.
But we have strong leadership in rugby union, both players and administrators, to create the change needed so players feel accepted, regardless of the level of play.
In the end, the only thing that should matter when you’re running onto the pitch with fourteen of your best mates is that you’ve got the right mix of strength, skill and speed to win.
After all, rugby union is a sport for everybody.
