World Rugby’s rule banning messages on strapping in Sevens ‘poorly implemented’ as players face US$1,000 fines
New Zealand Rugby Players Association chief Rob Nichol says the ‘whole process has been poor’ as governing body bury directive in participation agreement
New Zealand Rugby Players Association chief executive Rob Nichol says World Rugby’s rule banning players from writing messages on strapping worn on their wrists in the Sevens World Series has been “poorly implemented”.
The move was revealed by New Zealand players who said they had been warned they could be fined up to US$1,000 for breaking the rule which bans the appearance of any messages – personal, religious or political – on strapping tape.
The NZRPA said on Wednesday the rule was “buried” in a participation agreement signed by teams ahead of the season-opening tournament in Dubai this weekend and had not previously been announced to players or national rugby unions.
“I think the whole process that’s been around it has been poor,” Nichol said. “It hasn’t gone out for consultation and that’s a big problem.
“It makes the game and [World Rugby] look a bit stupid. By just unilaterally making this decision and then imposing it on the athletes, that’s just completely contrary to the values and the character of the game.”
World Rugby has defended the move, saying it is necessary to make sevens rugby compliant with International Olympic Committee regulations which ban athletes from wearing any unauthorised slogans, logos, messages or symbols. Sevens became an Olympic sport for the first time at last year’s Rio de Janeiro Games.