THE IRELAND rugby team decided not to take the knee for the third game running in the Six Nations.
During the "moment of reflection" preceding the game between Ireland and Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome all 15 players on either side remained standing.
It had previously been the tradition in rugby to stand for a moment of silence before games as a mark of respect.
This mark of respect is used, for example, to thank frontline health workers, honour those that have passed away, or mark important historical events.
However, in some 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.
During England’s Six Nations clash with Scotland at Twickenham, several players opted to follow suit by taking a knee in support of BLM. Many others, however, chose not to.
While all of the teams involved in the Six Nations are opposed to racism, having signed up to the Rugby Against Racism initiative, players have the choice to stand (as is tradition) or kneel (if they wish to) during this moment of reflection.
In the case of Italy vs Ireland, they chose not to take the knee or kneel.
(Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)The IRFU has 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.”
