Game deferred over abuse concerns
A Southland club rugby game was called off amid accusations of widespread use of derogatory racist, sexist and homophobic language.
The division 1 game between Bluff and Pioneer was postponed on Saturday in Bluff, following incidents the previous weekend in a game between Tokanui and Bluff.
A Bluff player, who declined to be named when contacted, said he was sick of attending games every week when racial abuse was directed at players from the sidelines and he believed the referee should have addressed it.
Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki said in a statement released yesterday the decision to defer Bluff's game was not taken lightly.
"As we began assessing information from the interested parties, a decision was made to defer a division 1 match that was scheduled for Saturday, June 14," he said.
It was a joint decision between Rugby Southland and the Rugby Southland Referees Association to defer the game until all parties had been heard.
Until then, the association was not prepared to provide an official for the June 14 match, he said.
"[The decision to defer] was based off assessment of risk and how our members felt in terms of being able to officiate or safely provide an environment for that game to go ahead."
Some of the affected parties met on Monday night and Mr Tamariki hoped an outcome would be reached once the Tokanui club had been spoken with.
He declined to give details of what happened at the match in Tokanui.
However, it is believed there were accusations of racist language aimed at the Bluff players by spectators at the game.
Comments about the racial slurs and criticism of the referee's handling of the abuse were aired on social media. The referees' association got involved after comments were made about the referee.
Then, last Friday, Rugby Southland decided to call the game off, wanting more information about what happened.
Mr Tamariki said the incidents cited in filed reports were not isolated.
"Across the club rugby season this year there has been some incidents in terms of unacceptable conduct, both in terms of club sidelines, players and, on some occasions, teams.
"We're very mindful that our approach here is to acknowledge where we can do better as an organisation.
"This situation, alongside two unrelated incidents in other Southland Wide competitions this year, has unfortunately brought to light examples of unacceptable behaviour that have no place in our sport. This includes inappropriate sideline conduct by spectators, players and teams involving derogatory language directed at individuals and teams based on race, gender, sexual preference and age."
Rugby Southland Referees Association chairman Andrew Rowland said abusive behaviour had been building across multiple grades and was "not just one club".
"The behaviour, it just needs to stop."
Players as well as spectators shared the responsibility of changing the negative culture that was creeping into the sport at all levels.
Mr Rowland hoped the June 7 incident would become a catalyst for change.
"Respect is the cornerstone of all sport.
"Unfortunately, sometimes passion can spill over. It crosses a line and that can then turn into abuse ... [which] undermines the value of everything the game stands for." — Additional reporting Steve Hepburn
By Toni McDonald
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Otago Daily Times
‘No place' for racism, Bluff Rugby Club says
Bluff rugby team. PHOTO: ODT FILES Bluff Rugby Club has broken its silence, saying it wants Tokanui club supporters held accountable for racist comments made at a match between the teams earlier this month. In an official statement released yesterday, the club said racial slurs toward the team had not been addressed in any of the discussions after Rugby Southland Referees refused to provide officials for its game last weekend. The club admitted a supporter came on to the field twice to remonstrate with the referee but he was quickly ushered away by the team. The club said players of the predominantly Māori and Pacific Island Bluff team were frequently targets of derogatory remarks attacking their identity and culture. "We will not tolerate racism or discrimination. There is no place for it in our club, or in rugby as a whole." During the June 7 game, a Bluff club supporter was removed from the field after directing offensive language at the referee. The same person resumed their verbal tirade after the final whistle. "On both occasions, our team captain and senior player intervened immediately and the individual left without resistance. We are proud of how our players responded in the moment." The game between Bluff and Tokanui was the third Southland game in three weeks to experience referee-related issues, the statement said. "We are concerned about how this incident has been portrayed. The narrative that has emerged has led to public backlash and reputational harm, despite our efforts to address the matter appropriately at the time and engage constructively since." The statement said none of the club's players were involved yet they were unfortunately made an example of. "This decision opened the door to harmful and unfounded commentary, based more on assumption than fact. We are disappointed by how quickly a narrative took hold, one that does not reflect the actions or values of our club. This has highlighted deeper assumptions some may hold about our team and community, and we believe it's important to question and reflect on those. "We are also deeply concerned that racist comments made by some opposition supporters and players during the match have gone unaddressed. "While not the initial cause of conflict, these remarks contributed to the atmosphere of tension and hurt." The statement said the Bluff club remained committed to working with Rugby Southland and the referees' association. "Our players and club members, like our referees, are people too and their wellbeing is ours to protect. We hope the wider rugby community can move forward with ... respect, accountability, and unity." The club had stayed silent to let the truth come out but the false narrative now circulating had gone too far, it said. "We ask for fairness and understanding." The club's matches were recorded from kickoff to post-match handshakes, and anyone with concerns could view the footage. The Otago Daily Times has not been able to contact a Tokanui Rugby Club representative or Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki for their response to the Bluff club statement. Rugby Southland Referees chairman Andrew Rowland told the Otago Daily Times earlier this week regular spectator and coach misconduct reports were filed from all grades of the sport. "We deal with this every week. There probably aren't too many things that we haven't heard spoken to us over the years." Players' family members "are hearing people on the sideline calling them all sorts of names". A culture change was needed because the sport was being affected, Mr Rowland said.
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Game deferred over abuse concerns
A Southland club rugby game was called off amid accusations of widespread use of derogatory racist, sexist and homophobic language. The division 1 game between Bluff and Pioneer was postponed on Saturday in Bluff, following incidents the previous weekend in a game between Tokanui and Bluff. A Bluff player, who declined to be named when contacted, said he was sick of attending games every week when racial abuse was directed at players from the sidelines and he believed the referee should have addressed it. Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki said in a statement released yesterday the decision to defer Bluff's game was not taken lightly. "As we began assessing information from the interested parties, a decision was made to defer a division 1 match that was scheduled for Saturday, June 14," he said. It was a joint decision between Rugby Southland and the Rugby Southland Referees Association to defer the game until all parties had been heard. Until then, the association was not prepared to provide an official for the June 14 match, he said. "[The decision to defer] was based off assessment of risk and how our members felt in terms of being able to officiate or safely provide an environment for that game to go ahead." Some of the affected parties met on Monday night and Mr Tamariki hoped an outcome would be reached once the Tokanui club had been spoken with. He declined to give details of what happened at the match in Tokanui. However, it is believed there were accusations of racist language aimed at the Bluff players by spectators at the game. Comments about the racial slurs and criticism of the referee's handling of the abuse were aired on social media. The referees' association got involved after comments were made about the referee. Then, last Friday, Rugby Southland decided to call the game off, wanting more information about what happened. Mr Tamariki said the incidents cited in filed reports were not isolated. "Across the club rugby season this year there has been some incidents in terms of unacceptable conduct, both in terms of club sidelines, players and, on some occasions, teams. "We're very mindful that our approach here is to acknowledge where we can do better as an organisation. "This situation, alongside two unrelated incidents in other Southland Wide competitions this year, has unfortunately brought to light examples of unacceptable behaviour that have no place in our sport. This includes inappropriate sideline conduct by spectators, players and teams involving derogatory language directed at individuals and teams based on race, gender, sexual preference and age." Rugby Southland Referees Association chairman Andrew Rowland said abusive behaviour had been building across multiple grades and was "not just one club". "The behaviour, it just needs to stop." Players as well as spectators shared the responsibility of changing the negative culture that was creeping into the sport at all levels. Mr Rowland hoped the June 7 incident would become a catalyst for change. "Respect is the cornerstone of all sport. "Unfortunately, sometimes passion can spill over. It crosses a line and that can then turn into abuse ... [which] undermines the value of everything the game stands for." — Additional reporting Steve Hepburn By Toni McDonald
Otago Daily Times
11-06-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Capacity crowd tipped
Capacity crowds are expected at the Southland Stags v Otago match on August 2. Rugby Southland head of commercial and business development Jack King said about 3000 tickets had already been allocated and 30% of the capped crowd limit was already gone. "We've set a target of 10,000 fans because we want Stag Day to be a genuine celebration of Southland rugby." "With sold-out hospo and tickets tracking well, and the buzz around this game, it's almost certain to sell out. Mr King urged fans to buy tickets early to avoid missing out. "The sooner we hit that target, the more confident we can be investing in making this an unforgettable experience." Outgoing Stags coach Matt Saunders said the fans made the day special. "You can feel that Southland pride when Rugby Park is packed. It lifts the boys and reminds us all why we do this. "We're hoping the community turns out in force, because their support is our edge."
