"We're probably a bit naive and maybe we need to look at starting the conversation in this particular space," Rob Nicol says. The New Zealand Rugby Players' Association says it likely needs to prepare for the reality of supporting gay players. It comes after NBA veteran Jason Collins made American sporting history this week, becoming the first active professional player from any of the four major codes to openly admit he's gay. The NZRU says a gay player would be respected and welcomed into the playing environment and they believe the professional rugby environment would provide any support a player would need. Rob Nicol from the Rugby Players' Association believes it's probably not a matter of if, but when. "It's not something that we've come across our desk an awful lot so in that respect from a professional rugby standpoint we're probably a bit naive and maybe we need to look at starting the conversation in this particular space," he told 3 News. "I think the team would deal with it no problems, I think society would debate it and discuss it. Some people, some elements of society would struggle with it definitely more so than the athletes themselves, they'd be fine," says Nicol. Among the players who are open-minded is Tim Nanai-Williams from the Chiefs, who has shared: "If you are gay I have no problem with it, everyone has their own opinions on it, it might strike a chord with some other players but for me personally, I'm all for it." While Radio Sport's Tony Veitch has had homophobic talkback callers this week, rugby commentator and former Black Fern Melodie Robinson told him she believes New Zealand is ready for a gay All Black: "I think most New Zealanders are open about that sort of thing. I think we're a society that's mature enough to handle that." Robinson agreed it was easier for sportswomen to be gay than for male athletes to come out. "I know of one who has spoken to me a couple of times with a question mark over his sexuality," she said. "This particular person would never have come out and admitted it to his family or two his peers on the rugby field, because I think although people would be accepting, the individual themselves would still feel that it would be a massive step to do that." Listen to the full interview here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 4th May 2013 - 9:17am