Ulster Rugby trial -continued

[ZibbidooZibbidooZibbidoo]

New thread.

Oops that link didn't work

www.change.org/p/georgina-ragan-salesharks-com-sale-sharks-don-t-sign-paddy-jackson-stuart-olding

The Telegraph has an article about this - seems the manager of Sale Sharks specialises in reforming problem players - which (when you look at the numbers on the transfers) seems to translate as "is prepared to take any skidmark on the face of humanity provided they can play rugby and he can get a really cheap deal on them."

Just curious, what employment, if any, would you be happy for these men to enter into?

One where they weren't held up as role models for children, Pan. My son plays rugby and football - I never want to see him in a position where he's cheering on teams containing PJ and his mates, or Ched Evans. I don't want to be in a position where I have to explain to him that he can't have a shirt with a certain player's name on (admittedly I won't throw good money away on printing player's names... but you get the picture). I don't want to see his female team mates (still mixed in his age group) going on courses run by our local premiership rugby team and having men like that around them.

The Irish Times is now reporting Sale Sharks are denying they are signing them. I'll try to find a link

here it is

@coffee

Snap!

On another note I wonder do sports players going into schools to promote their game have to have DBS checks done? Does anyone know?

As far as I know if you're going to be talking to a whole class supervised by a teacher you don't have to be DBS checked (same with eg authors doing book readings). But coaching clubs where you're alone with the children you do need to be checked.

Looks like they might have to shovel shit

www.cotswoldjournal.co.uk/sport/national/16200588.Sale_Sharks_rule_out_signing_Paddy_Jackson_and_Stuart_Olding/

One where they weren't held up as role models for children

Devil’s Advocate - decades back I was involved in football. Guys I knew went on to play for England. We were all typical boys from council estates. Not one of them wanted to be a “role model”. It was other people holding them up as “role models”, not them.

I may be being pedantic, but if a company refuses to employ the rugby guys because of their repulsive behaviour, I am OK with that. Likewise if an employer decides to hire them, I am OK with that. I can take my patronage else where.

But I have never got this role model gig.

@DrMorbius

Back in the day both rugby and football were exclusively for "the boys". These days successful clubs often have women's and girls teams. Do parents really want their daughters (or sons) looking up to people who have behaved like PJ and SO?

When my DC were very young they saw people like the Spice girls and footballers like Beckham as heroes, so they were role models, whether they wanted to be or not. The age groups who followed them also needed parental funding to buy their goods.

Adults can make their own choices. Many adult men just do not see why women are so appalled by the behaviour of PJ and SO. Reading the comments made by so many men on social media and even some better newspapers demonstrates this very well.

@Fermats

Thanks for explaining, this makes sense.

@Totally

Thanks for the link, this comment sums it up rather well

"Press Association Sport understands that Sale explored the possibility of taking Jackson and Olding to the AJ Bell Stadium for next season only for the club’s hierarchy to decide against it".

Dr Moribus, they may not wish to be, understand or care if they are role models, but the fact is they will be seen by others, at influential stages of their adolescent development, as role models and that, frankly, is dangerous.

Irresponsible, misogynistic, male sexual aggressors should not be sporting, or any other, national representatives.

The BBC is reporting that the deal fell through because of concerns expressed by sponsors A J Bell about the need for the club to reflect their strong values, here

Good for them - as usual, money is the only thing that talks for some, so good to see those who have it using it to make a positive statement.

Dr Moribus

Let's look at rugby as not just a game at this level but a commercial concern. Would you want your company culture to reflect the mores of society? If so then you have to try and stamp out misogyny and any other form of poor behaviour. Ungentlemanly conduct as rugby often refers to it. So, using your example if you want to go and play for "Engerland" (sorry it's an Irish thread I couldn't resist :-) ) you not only need to be a fabulous footballer but keep to the codes set out in the game and by your employer. Not bringing them into disrepute is one of them. They are role models to our kids when they hit professional level whether they like it or not it goes with the job.
If I'm honest Schadenfreude to an extent has kicked in for me in the case of PJ and SO to a lesser extent. I'm sure they'll find employment even if it is jobs for the boys in the NI context, or within rugby outside the island.

Good news.

At least sponsors understand that being associated with the club that mops up dross won't reflect well.

From the Guardian today

www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/may/04/paddy-jackson-stuart-olding-ulster-rugby-acquittals

Thanks for that Dibbosteme. Lie low for a few years and then quietly come back to the big league. I don't think they will ever play internationally for Ireland or any Irish teams again.

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44279107

New club for SO.

So not U.K./ Ireland based - I assume no U.K. sponsors and recently relegated, but have an Irish coach.
Looks to me like a good deal on both sides —cynically— he gets away from U.K. media spotlight and they are probably desperate for some “names” to bolster the side following a difficult season.

New club for SO

Signed within 6 weeks of their trial. So much for their lives being ruined by a rape accusation then. My thoughts are with the victim.