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Perhaps NZR did not learn from Folau after allowing the Haka hijack
By Hamish Bidwell
I’m embarrassed to say that I expected something substantive from New Zealand Rugby (NZR) this week.
I presumed, naively as it appears to have turned out, that management of our governing body - or indeed that of the All Blacks themselves - might make it plain that test matches aren’t the stage from which to launch political statements.
The specifics of what barrow TJ Perenara was trying to push on Sunday (NZ time) are of no interest to me. Nor is the fact that he’s got form on the board in this regard or that there’s historical precedent for players taking stands on social issues.
The office, which is what a rugby paddock amounts to for players, isn’t the place for political grandstanding and, as Perenara’s employer, NZR ought to know that.
Regardless of his sentiments or cause and whether NZR supports that or not, Perenara was representing New Zealand. He wasn’t on his own time, but the nation’s.
Yes, I know that sounds a bit corny, but people do feel a sense of ownership where the All Blacks are concerned. They feel the team represents the best of New Zealand and take great pride in the team’s lofty perch on the world stage.
I don’t want to see Perenara rebuked and I don't imagine many people do. But I would expect his employer to at least say that, while they respect his beliefs, expressing them immediately before a test match wasn’t the right forum.
Because in ostensibly condoning the hijacking of the haka, NZR not only endorses what happened on Sunday, but gives permission to every player to do similar.
Write whatever absurd message you like on your wrist band or boots. Pose with whatever flag, chant whichever incantation floats your boat.
Your need to express your political beliefs trumps whatever corporate values NZR has. It’s more important than the worldview of sponsors and fans. You, the player, must be allowed to give voice to your views.
Right up until those views differ from NZR’s.
You remember Israel Folau, right? No, he wasn’t on the NZR payroll, but we’re all aware of the things he said and the way that worked out for him at Rugby Australia.
Folau expressed the wrong view and woe betide anyone who does that. Never mind the Wallabies teammates who liked his social media post or endorsed his take on Christianity.
I’ve no idea what possessed Folau to write the things he did, although I would point out he wasn’t wearing a Wallabies jumper and about to play a test match. Nevertheless, he quickly became toxic and his reputation has never recovered.
We can only speculate upon what might happen if an All Black did similar. However, I think it feels safe to assume NZR wouldn’t stand idly by in such an instance.
Well, offence is a two-way street and it’s dangerous for sporting bodies to pick and choose which parts of the public they’re happy to affront.
Far safer to make it clear publicly, given the All Blacks are New Zealand’s team, that while NZR encourages players to have a social conscience and to be leaders in the community, it’s better not to do so on national duty.
That’s all. No-one has to be condemned, fined or suspended. We’re all grown ups with the ability to bite our tongues while we’re in the workplace or out in public, because we recognise and accept that no speech is completely free.
There are always consequences for straying outside of the margins.
I thought NZR might’ve known that.
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