Seven players from Australian National Rugby League team Manly Sea Eagles will boycott a home match tomorrow in protest at being told to wear an "inclusiveness" jersey.
Coach Des Hasler said the players were opposed to wearing the pride jersey, which features rainbow bands, on "religious and cultural" grounds and would not play against Sydney Roosters.
"We accept their decision," he added. "These young men are strong in their beliefs and their convictions and we will give them the space and the support they require."
Manly great Ian Roberts, the first professional rugby league player to come out as gay, said the opposition to the jersey was "sad and uncomfortable."
Hasler also said Manly mismanaged the well-intentioned jersey initiative by not consulting its players. He then apologized to the players and "minority groups within the community who embrace the rainbow colors as a symbol of pride in who they are.
"The intent of the jersey was to support the advocacy and human rights pertaining to gender, race, culture, ability and LGBTQ movements," he said. "Sadly, the execution ... was poor."
So Manly will be shorthanded for a match that could have a significant impact on their chances of qualifying for the NRL playoffs.
Des Hasler
