Thu 12 Mar 2015 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The New Zealand Falcons have expressed delight at a new agreement between World Rugby and International Gay Rugby, to work together to educate and eliminate homophobia in the game. The agreement, signed at World Rugby House in Dublin last week, outlines a commitment between the two organisations to collaborate on the continued promotion of equality and inclusiveness. World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset says rugby is an inclusive sport which has at its heart character-building values of passion, integrity, solidarity, respect and discipline. “The signing of this historic agreement underscores our commitment to those values and our strategic vision – a game for all, true to its values.” Dean Knight, the NZ Falcons’ International Gay Rugby (IGR) delegate, says the agreement is historic “and signals a strong message that World Rugby is serious about its commitment to rugby as 'a game for all'.” He continues: “The NZ Falcons look forward to ensuring that those goals are also realised in New Zealand and at the grassroots level. There's still much work to be done. But we will continue our conversations and work with the NZRU to ensure these issues are addressed here, in ways that are specifically tailored to New Zealand environment and experience.” The Falcons are hosting Australasian tournament the Purchas Cup in Auckland in September. “As well as showcasing the strength of gay rugby in Australia and New Zealand, the event will also be an opportunity to focus attention on issues of inclusivity and anti-homophobia in rugby,” Knight says. Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, World Rugby and IGR recognise and respect: the right of any player, official and spectator to be involved with rugby without discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or identification the common goal of inclusion and the elimination of homophobia in rugby World Rugby and IGR will consult on issues of importance to members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and the game of rugby by: developing a positive and mutually beneficial relationship based on a sense of shared purpose working with regional associations and member unions to improve tolerance and acceptance of LGBT players at all levels within rugby union providing educational tools to World Rugby member unions to support in the elimination of homophobia in rugby supporting the promotion and development of IGR’s events
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 12th March 2015 - 8:58am