Wallaby icon John Eales says the Australian Rugby Union’s adoption of an inclusion policy that takes a stand against homophobia represents a significant day in Australian and world sport.
The ARU board, of which Eales is part of, signed off on the policy earlier this week.
It was announced in Sydney on Friday at the opening day of the Bingham Cup, the gay and inclusive rugby World Cup.
“It’s a very significant day in Australian sport today for a number of reasons and not only Australian sport, but world sport,” former Wallaby captain and lock Eales said.
“The Australian Rugby Union board on Monday ratified the inclusion and anti-homophobia policy and it was absolutely the right thing to do.
“It felt like an exciting thing to do for the sport.
“It’s a great moment in sport. A moment rugby is very, very proud to be associated with.”
Rugby is the first of the four main football codes in Australia to implement a policy which deals with tackling homophobia.
Back in April, all four codes signed a collective commitment to stamp out homophobia in each of their respective sports.
It was hoped each would have their policy completed by the start of the three-day Bingham Cup.
Tournament president Andrew Purchas was optimistic the other codes would follow through on the commitment they made earlier in the year.
“We’ve also been relying on the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Australian Sports Commission to deal with the other codes,” Purchas said.
“I feel confident that they (the other codes) will continue to develop and implement at their own pace.
“I think what’s very important is whatever document they do agree on and the position they develop, they need to make it public.”
After the first day of the Bingham Cup, six of the 30 teams, representing 15 nations, were still unbeaten.
The pool games will be completed on Saturday with the knockout stages to run on Sunday.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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