Lucky Maree
It is just not in the nature of the true rugby professional to revolt. The greatest players in the world, who stand out as individually brilliant to the fans, understand that without the team they would never have become great.
The players also understand that they have to accept the decisions of a higher authority, whether it is the coach in the locker room or the sponsor at a promotional event. They have a devotion to the higher authority that keeps a team in the game.
But it is that devotion that may cost them their lives – quite literally.
Geoffrey Sella has described Johnny Sexton’s decision to carry on playing as “bizarre”.
Sella, the son of French legend Philippe Sella, retired in March 2019 aged 26, because of concussion.
Sexton, who has suffered some serious head knocks, has decided that he will continue playing.
Sella said it is not up to him to judge.
“But I wouldn’t like to be in his place in a few years’ time. Maybe he will be fine,” he told Midi Olympique.
Sexton’s case is by no means unique.
England’s Steve Thompson who played hooker in the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning team, was placed on suicide watch. His struggle with dementia has taken him to the depths of depression. At 43 he admits that he can’t remember large parts of his career and sometimes forgets the names of his wife and children.
Thompson is one of a growing band of players who are threatening legal action against rugby’s higher authorities. It is said that about 200 players are involved. That is all good and well, but it doesn’t help the players who run onto the pitch every weekend – obediently following the bidding of their unions.
After the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the players demanded that they become professional and be paid as professionals. Leading the pack were Francois Pienaar and Sean Fitzpatrick. But it wasn’t a gentle request. “We’re doing it, whether you like it or not,” they said.
Underlying the tragedy of rugby injuries is the thinking that says: “If you aren’t prepared to run the risk, then don’t play.”
There’s a four letter word that starts with “bull” and ends with “t” to describe that attitude.
As fate would have it, World Rugby at the moment is controlled by unimaginative old men who only react when their absolute authority (and egos) are questioned and the on-field rules prove that.
How on earth can the term, “deliberate foul play” in the context of one player injuring another even be part of the game anymore?
The most absurd example of that is when Jordie Barrett was red-carded for kicking Australian Marika Koroibete in the face. Nobody believes that Barrett, in the process of jumping for the ball, planned to kick Koroibete in the face, yet it is deemed “deliberate foul play”.
The idea that increasingly severe on-field punishment meted out by card-wielding referees will prevent injuries is wrong.
Does it mean the compulsory wearing of rugby helmets? If so, then do it and do it now. If it means the loose head prop must put his fist on the ground to prevent the front row from collapsing during a scrum, or players must jump to the side of the ball to prevent mid-air collisions, then do it.
Other solutions need to be found – and the players must be the driving force. They must take their cue from the Francois Pienaars and Sean Fitzpatricks of the world.
Lives are at stake here and the players themselves should take charge. And they must do it now!
Image source: @RugbyPass
