Opening Up Rugby
by Ben Darwin | 11 January 2010 (08:06)
The recent coming out of former Wales captain Gareth Thomas has made news all around the world.
Perhaps it has not shocked too many in Australia to the same extent as those around the world, as Australians bore witness to rugby league star Ian Roberts coming out in the late ‘80s. At that time, being a more conservative period, this caused some consternation with one commentator in Australia claiming absolute surprise because Ian "was such a good bloke" - as though being gay would erase how nice someone was.
Thomas was extremely brave in going public with this personal information and should be soundly applauded, as should his teammates who, upon being told by Thomas, simply asked him "Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”
Test rugby players tend to be a pretty accepting bunch and I think a lot of people would be amazed to learn how many players have overcome personal trauma in order to attain the level of success that they have. A fellow teammate announcing his homosexuality would be, for many, an example of someone overcoming a difficult period. I would like to think that the notion of shower room separation or teasing is something of the past. Still, not being gay myself, I cannot walk a mile in the shoes of someone that is.
Another aspect that may hold other players back from being openly gay is the potential loss of sponsorship. While the sponsors themselves may not have an issue with homosexuality, money talks in this business and concerns may lie with those in the community who are homophobic and would potentially be turned off a product as a result of a spokesperson being gay.
Thomas has made a great step forward for rugby, but I think it is a terrible shame that it was so difficult for him to do. My hope is that Thomas's fear in coming out was ill-founded as I would like to think the game, as well as those in it, has come a long way. The thing that is the most astonishing about the whole process is that Thomas was able to function so well with such a large secret hanging over him. He still performed admirably for Wales as well as the British and Irish Lions. In order to perform at your best in sport, feeling comfortable with yourself and those around you is an absolute must. Honesty in your approach to your teammates and friends gives you the freedom to perform. The stress of holding on to something must have torn Thomas for a very long time.
While at the Brumbies, we had a saying that if your game at home wasn’t "on the level", then you would have very little chance of getting your rugby game "on the level". I have seen players’ careers fall apart because they were unable to keep their personal life from destroying their ability to play.
There is no room in rugby anymore for homophobia. Statistics say that 1 in 7 men are gay. I think the number would be lower in rugby if it weren’t for the reason that jumping into rugby as openly gay is probably very intimidating. Hence, a proportion of men may stay away from the game.
I hope this changes.
