Australian gay rugby team wins first professional match
The Sydney Convicts have made history, becoming the first ever gay rugby team to win a professional-level match
Taking to the Allianz Stadium in Sydney today, the team thrashed Macquarie University 30-12 in an opening match, becoming the first gay rugby team to play at a professional level, and the first one to win.
Convicts star Jason Fowler – who himself quit Macquarie after he came out – told ESPN: “Playing at Allianz is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the entire team is extremely proud and excited to be making history.
“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 team-mates.
“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.”
Former Wallabies player John Eales said: “It’s always disappointing to hear stories of people who don’t play sports because they fear discrimination.”
.@SydneyConvicts first gay rugby team to play at professional fixture https://t.co/6aQgd63Xca | @espnscrum | #Progress pic.twitter.com/xKutyqPPYV
— Andy Withers (@witho68) July 6, 2014
“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.”
The Sydney Convicts took home the 2012 Bingham Cup, becoming gay rugby champions of the world.
