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How rugby players reacted to Black Lives Matter protests

The statue of Churchill was épicentre for protest in London. (Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images)

Rugby players across the world have joined in or shown their support for the international human rights movement Black Lives Matter. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of many cities around the world over the weekend as part of the Black Lives Matter protests following the death of American George Floyd.

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The 46-year-old was suffocated while being arrested in Minneapolis on May 25th, sparking human rights protests in the United States against police brutality and systemic racism.

Players have used their profile to show their support for the movement on social media, with a range of reactions. Some have also not been afraid to address contentious topics during the protests in the United Kingdom, particularly with regards to a few situations in what were predominantly peaceful protests across the country.

Jamal Ford-Robinson, who was named the Gallagher Premiership Community Player of the Month in March for his social media activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, recently told anyone who had a problem with the uprooting of a statue of Edward Colston in Bristol to block him. Colston was a 17th century slave trader, and there have been campaigns for years to have the statue removed.

Other figures joined the rally virtually, through Zoom, Facebook Live and Instagram, as there are still ongoing complications relating to the pandemic.

Rugby is of course not alone in its support, and many other sportspeople such as Raheem Sterling and Anthony Joshua have been vocal as well.

The success of the social media movement Blackout Tuesday (#blackouttuesday) last week was an indication of the solidarity in the game, but these unprecedented protests are obviously a greater sign of the weight of the movement. This is something that is going to grow in significance globally and in the rugby sphere, and players are using their platform constructively.

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R
RedWarrior 51 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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