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- Stormers coach John Dobson says they have discussed issues related to the Black Lives Matter movement.
- Dobson says they are working towards a higher level of education and understanding on the subject.
- Stormers’ mentor emphasizes that players cannot be forced to perform one action of the other.
Stormers coach John dobson says they have taken note of issues related to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and are working to achieve a higher level of understanding.
READ | Pieter-Steph to miss Stormers’ return to rugby, but coach John Dobson says’ no panic stations’
Across the sports fraternity, various codes have reacted to the move, with some players choosing to kneel down to show their support for BLM.
The South African rugby season will resume on September 26 with a double game at Loftus Versfeld, with the Stormers scheduled to face the Lions and Bulls against the Sharks on ‘Super Fan Saturday’.
He’s not sure if the players will also take a stance on the BLM issue, but Dobson told reporters in a virtual meeting Thursday that they broached the issue.
“For us, it is about education and understanding. We are not sure what the directive [from SA Rugby] it will be, or if there will be one, but we have already started a series of talks internally and with facilitators, so that we can be together whatever happens “.
In the English Premiership, for example, players have reacted differently, some kneeling or standing in circles, while players also wore Rugby Against Racism jerseys.
Dobson said he would not want to force anything on his players.
“If someone makes a different opinion or decision, that’s fine, as long as we can understand why. The consensus on this kind of issue is thorny and we’d love to get there, but it’s about continuing the talks. This is an opportunity, not a threat, to continue the conversation to reach a higher level of understanding, and for that we are working.
“It is a process that will continue and something that we must accept for all. Siya (Kolisi, captain of the Stormers) has been phenomenal in this regard, and has told the team ‘no matter how it goes, I am not going to do it. judge, but I just want to understand. ‘ Actually, it is an opportunity for us, for all of society. “
There was some controversy at Sale Sharks, where eight South African players chose not to kneel.
Dobson said he would not like to see a repeat scenario, but acknowledged that forcing players to do something may not be wise.
“Aesthetically, a directive may be more fair to the players, but we don’t want a situation of what happened in Sale. [But] The last thing we want to do is force someone to stand or kneel. Let’s say we get a directive, and if a player feels strongly one way or another, he would be exposed if he broke that directive.
“Ultimately, though, for us, it’s about understanding. If left up to the players, it will be fine as long as there is a level of understanding. And our focus is just educating and understanding.”
– Compiled by Herman Mostert
