A former All Black says he believes “perceived homophobia” in rugby might just be a case of misunderstood bantering. A new study has found many Kiwi gay men keep their sexuality secret in both youth and adult sports, with many saying they feared bullying from teammates and discrimination from coaches and officials. Of the gay, lesbian and bisexual respondents, 78 per cent of reported witnessing or experiencing homophobia in sport. "I think sometimes that verbal slur is used for just anyone in general,” Andy Haden told Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB this morning. He says while it's not a subject that's spoken about, he doesn't believe there is a major problem. "Maybe I've got my head in the sand, but and I'm not so close to sports environments as I used to be, but I just don't think it exists." Haden was axed as a Rugby World Cup ambassador over comments he made about rape and rugby players, stating "It's an equal society now, some of these girls are targeting rugby players and targeting sportsmen and they do so at their peril today, I think." He's also referred to Pasifika rugby players as "darkies". Haden played more than 100 tests for New Zealand in the 70s and 80s. A more recent former All Black, Josh Kronfeld, has had a markedly different response, telling the New Zealand Herald he urges Kiwis to be more welcoming in their attitudes, particularly towards young people trying to hide their sexual orientation. "If someone in top Kiwi rugby were to come out, I don't think it would be that big a deal amongst the players,” he says. "The biggest issues would probably be driven by the fan base. There are dumb and ignorant people around. "The male bastion has always been about being tough and alpha males. Society is realising it's not about that any more."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 11th May 2015 - 12:47pm