A row over LGBT diversity has erupted in Australia’s rugby league after teammates staged a boycott over their club’s insistence on wearing proud rainbows on shirts.
Seven Manly players will go on strike for Thursday’s NRL game against the Roosters, claiming they were caught off guard by the club’s decision over the jersey. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, club coach Des Hasler has told the players that he will support their decision not to play.
Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolu Koula and Toafofoa Sipley are all said to have withdrawn from the competition. Players had complained that they had not been consulted about the club’s launch of the jersey, which was intended to celebrate diversity and inclusivity. The players reportedly refused to wear the shirt on cultural and religious grounds.
A meeting to discuss the matter within the club was moved from Tuesday to Monday night as Hasler tried to calm the spat. Three players, Kieran Foran, Reuben Garrick and Sean Keppie, originally modeled the new jersey, featuring rainbow colors on the front and piping on the sleeves and collar. However, other players were apparently unaware that they would be asked to wear the jersey until it was officially released.