Sun 2 Apr 2017 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
All Black Lima Sopoaga is facing a formal employment process after making a “homophobic comment” on Instagram, ten months after the New Zealand Rugby Union announced the launch of a diversity initiative. Lima Sopoaga's comment was made on this Instagram photo posted by Malakai Fekitoa. Fellow All Black Malakai Fekitoa posted a photo on Instagram to his over 250,000 followers of two rugby players kissing him on the cheek with the caption “These two aren’t well”. Sopoaga commented “hah gayyyyyyyyyyye” on the post, a comment has been criticised by captain of the NZ Falcons, Jeremy Brankin. The rugby player has since apologised for his remark and further commented on the Instagram post saying "sorry to anyone who took offence to my comment above. I'm not homophobic but understand how my comment may have been interpreted that way. Chur have a nice day”. Radio New Zealand reports that the Rugby Union will now discuss the matter with Sopoaga in a formal employment process.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 2nd April 2017 - 3:25pm