Seven players from the Australian rugby club Manly Sea Eagles chose not to take the field in a game after their equipment carried LGBT symbols. The decision was shared during a press conference led by head coach Des Hasler, who spoke about the situation and the club’s stance.
At the start of the season, the Sea Eagles introduced LGBT flag colors into their jersey design, replacing the team’s traditional white stripes. This change sparked discussions across fans, players, and the broader rugby community about symbolism, inclusivity, and team unity.
Hasler explained that the club recognizes the players’ predicament and that the issue had not been consulted with them prior to the jersey’s design. He emphasized that the club would support the players in their choice not to participate in the match, highlighting sensitivity to personal beliefs while upholding values of respect for diversity.
The seven players—Josh Schuster, Jason Saab, Haumole Olakahuatu, Christian Tuipulotu, Tolutau Kula, Toafofoa Sipley, and Josh Aloiai—stood apart from the field. They are among the team’s leading players, and their decision to abstain from playing was framed as a matter of personal and religious conviction rather than a team dispute.
On a different note from the sports news, former US President Donald Trump addressed a student conference in Florida and asserted a binary view on gender. The remarks added to the ongoing national conversations about gender identity and the cultural divides reflected in public discourse.