Which Irish rugby players are gay?

sioda wrote: »

You've never seen this clip then typical Nigel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

You did it wrong

RichieRich89 wrote: »

I'm writing a college project on homophobia in sport and I'd be interested to know people's opinions on homophobia (if it exists) in rugby in Ireland. Would homosexuals be accepted? Is the sport in general welcoming to gays and lesbians? Are there any examples of openly gay players playing professionally in Ireland, and if so, how have they been received?

As others have said, this is probably the worst place to research your project. And pretty much the laziest too.

What exactly did you think you'd get here? Somebody outing themselves? Somebody outing somebody else?

Go and actually talk to gay sportspeople. Read Nigel Ownes book and Gareth Thomas'. Talk to Emerald Warriors players. You won't get better, or more accurate information than that. And certainly not here.

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

OP did get that info here. You and other posters gave it to them.

He got those answers, but they weren't to the questions he asked. If he'd googled it, he would have got the same or better results.

Can't speak professionally but I have played with a number of teams over the years. There were several gay team members and it really didn't matter. I think they had concerns about coming out to the team, but nobody actually gave a toss - which is the way it should be and rightly so. It really doesn't matter.

I spoke to some friends about the same topic and they asked was I not concerned that they'd sneak a look at me in the shower for their own pleasure. I asked whether they're attracted to every naked person of the opposite sex, particular when they see them struggling out of wet rugby gear and in a largely mucky environment.

Are there gay high level rugby players in Ireland? Yes. Does it matter? Not in the slightest. Will people "out" them? Not a snowballs chance in hell - the teammates don't care - why should you.

CMOTDibbler wrote: »

As others have said, this is probably the worst place to research your project. And pretty much the laziest too.

What exactly did you think you'd get here? Somebody outing themselves? Somebody outing somebody else?

Go and actually talk to gay sportspeople. Read Nigel Ownes book and Gareth Thomas'. Talk to Emerald Warriors players. You won't get better, or more accurate information than that. And certainly not here.

Why is it the worst or laziest place to research a project? It's a RUGBY forum. It's quite possibly the best place to get a starting point on research as proven by the helpful posters who have pointed the OP in the direction of Owens, Thomas and the Emerald Warriors. It gives him a good starting point and if anyone wants to share their personal experiences with the OP anonymously then it gives them the opportunity as well. I doubt very much he's expecting a big name star to sign up and out themselves.

Folks, just because he is asking the question here that doesn't mean it's the only research he's doing. We don't all have to start having a go at him for being "lazy" or whatever. There's a lot of people here with a good knowledge of rugby and rugby players. Richie also has an element of trust regarding the forum. So why shouldn't he use it as one source? After all there's been a decent amount of stuff provided so far, including the name of gay friendly clubs that he can talk to that he may not have known about already.

As for the question itself I don't know of any Irish rugby player that has come out. But as has been mentioned Nige and Gareth Thomas would be the 2 big names that we'd all know who have. And there has been next to no issues about it, with the exception of a handful of idiots here and there. Both still every every bit as much respect as they would have had either way. Emerald Warriors (here) are definitely worth talking to.

OP there was an incidence of some significance in Australia a few years ago that is relevant to you.

A South African player (Poitgeiter I think) used a homophobic slur in a match. David Pocock called him out on it, and you see on the ref cam Pocock say something like "there could be gay people out here". Anyway, he got a ban, and as part of it he was invited to train with the Sydney Convicts, an all gay team.

Ultimately it seemed to be a positive outcome for pretty much everyone. I think that a player led campaign again homophobia started on the pitch and led by an icon like Pocock, was a strong stance. And the player in question making an effort to do something positive to make up for his actions was rehabilitating.

Pocock and his wife are committed to not marry until gay marriage is legal in Australia. (I think they have some other premarital arrangement). But he's generally a bit of a social justice warrior and environmentalist.

maximum12 wrote: »

I'm uncomfortable with him using his story to peddle stout.

If one person who is having a hard time sees that video and takes some encouragement from it, it will have been worthwhile.

errlloyd wrote: »

Pocock. But he's generally a bit of a social justice warrior and environmentalist.

I've seen him referred to on NZ websites as Bonocock...

Wile E. Coyote wrote: »

Why is it the worst or laziest place to research a project? It's a RUGBY forum. It's quite possibly the best place to get a starting point on research as proven by the helpful posters who have pointed the OP in the direction of Owens, Thomas and the Emerald Warriors. It gives him a good starting point and if anyone wants to share their personal experiences with the OP anonymously then it gives them the opportunity as well. I doubt very much he's expecting a big name star to sign up and out themselves.

Again, I point you to the thread title. It specifically asks "Which Irish rugby players are gay". The OP then discusses homophobia in sport and concludes with the same question.