Following on from the revelations that Brumbies vice captain, relentless campaigner for the things he believes in, and general all-around legend David Pocock had registered official objections to match referees about homophobic slurs being used on the field during Sunday’s clash against the Waratahs, the ARU has handed down a $20,000 to Waratah back-rower Jacques Potgieter for breaching its code of conduct.
“I’m very sorry for any offence caused by what I said on the field during a heated encounter. It was an offhand remark made without thought for the hurt it could cause to those around me.”
The ARU, whose swift and decisive verdict on the matter is absolutely to be commended, stated that Potgieter’s actions represented a clear violation of their code of conduct and inclusion policy, and contravenes the Anti-Homophobia and Inclusion Framework, of which the ARU is a signatory to.
“We take the issue of homophobia in sport seriously and want to provide a positive environment for everyone involved in Rugby. Comments of this nature cannot be tolerated. Our Inclusion Policy reinforces Australian Rugby’s commitment to ensure every individual, whether they’re players, supporters, coaches or administrators, feel safe, welcome and included regardless of race, gender or sexuality. I’d like to stress again that there is absolutely no place for homophobia or any form of discrimination in our game and our actions and words on and off the field must reflect that.”
The way this has been handled should stand as an example for all Australian sport at all levels. From Pocock standing up on-field to call out something that absolutely was not right, to the ARU taking action so swiftly. Sport has a supreme ability to act as an agent of societal change and acceptance. If every code had people like David Pocock in it, we’d be well on the way to being a much better place.