THE IRELAND rugby team was joined by opponents Scotland in opting not to “take the knee” ahead of their Six Nations clash.
During the "moment of reflection" preceding the game at Murrayfield all 15 players on either side remained standing.
It had been the tradition in rugby for players to stand for a moment of silence before games as a mark of respect. However, in sports like football, players have chosen to use the moment of reflection to take the knee in a show of support for the anti-racist Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.
While several England players have opted to kneel during the Six Nations, both the Ireland and Scotland teams had so far chosen to remain standing. All of the teams involved in the Six Nations are opposed to racism, having signed up to the Rugby Against Racism initiative, but players have the choice to stand (as is tradition) or kneel (if they wish to).
In the case of Scotland vs Ireland, they chose not to take the knee or kneel with many fans on Twitter appearing to show appreciation for the move.
“So, neither Scotland or Ireland teams took the knee,” one wrote. “Well done lads. Have a good game.”
“Ireland and Scotland well done. Not one got on their knee in subservience to a Marxist group,” another said.
“Well done Scotland and Ireland,” a third added. “Sport no place for political gestures like taking a knee.”
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has previously defended the right of its players to choose how they wish to show their support for the sport’s anti-racism initiative.
“It is important that players are free to demonstrate their support for this important issue in the way they see fit,” they told the Irish Post.
“It is an entirely personal decision and we respect each players’ right to make that choice.”
“Irish Rugby and our players have been supporting anti-racism messaging for some time,” the IRFU continued.
“Ahead of the resumption of professional rugby, last year, rugby underlined its on-going commitment to offering a game for all, with messaging and support through #RugbyAgainstRacism across the returning Guinness PRO14, the Autumn Nations Cup, the 2020 Six Nations and now, again, before the 2021 Six Nations games.
“This united support against racism ensures that we stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone on this issue. The feedback on these moments has been very positive.”
Scotland coach, Gregor Townsend, previously offered his support, saying he "100%" backed his players' decision not to kneel while the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) has stress it is down to the individual.
See More: BLM, Ireland, Rugby, Scotland, Six Nations, Sport, Take The Knee
