Eales commends gay rugby players

Wallabies great John Eales has hailed the courage and spirit of the Sydney Convicts after they became the first gay rugby team to feature at a professional sporting fixture.

The Convicts downed Macquarie University 30-12 in the curtain-raiser to the NSW Waratahs’ Super Rugby hosting of the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

Among the stars was halfback Jason Fowler, a former Macquarie Uni player who quit the club and joined the Convicts after fearing his old teammates wouldn’t accept him if he “came out”.

“Playing at Allianz is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the entire team is extremely proud and excited to be making history,” Fowler said.

“For me, I’m amazed by how my life has come full circle. Just two years ago I was afraid to come out of the closet to my teammates.

“Now I’m playing against them on a gay rugby team as part of a professional sporting event.

“The guys from my old team obviously now know that I’m gay and they have been very supportive, which has really helped me accept my own sexuality.”

Eales, a Convicts supporter and ambassador for next month’s Bingham Cup – a three-day rugby tournament aimed at helping eradicate homophobia in sport – said Sunday’s historic match was a huge step forward.

“It’s always disappointing to hear stories of people who don’t play sports because they fear discrimination,” said the former Wallabies captain and two-time Rugby World Cup winner.

“There is no room for homophobia or any other exclusionary behaviour in sports or any other part of society.

“Sports can and must lead society and be welcoming for everyone.

“I’m sure that by holding historic events like this and taking other steps to publicly support gay people, we can help eradicate homophobia and discrimination in sport.”

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