WRU’s “socially distanced” squad picture has provoked outrage amongst fans

WALES SQUAD IMAGE CAUSES SOCIAL MEDIA STORM

27th January 2021 Dylan James Rugby 0
Pic - James Dodd

by Dylan James

The Welsh Rugby Union have managed to cause quite a stir amongst their fan base, by posting a squad picture with all players socially distant and wearing masks. 

The image was released in line with current government restrictions and the Welsh Rugby Union were keen to enforce the message of social distancing.

With the Six Nations just around the corner, fans are bursting with excitement, despite the current circumstances. However, some fans seem to have taken a message of symbolism entirely the wrong way.

Robert Rees, who is the senior editor of “Last Word on Rugby”, was keen to remind fans that the players are doing their job, and it isn’t simply a case of 15 people playing for leisure.

“It’s a good way of getting the message across. We’re all aware sportsmen and rugby players are still committing to their jobs, that is important to realise, it is their job.”

With government restrictions being tightened so regularly, Rees wanted to re assure the fan base that getting the message across is vital, and that these top athletes are kept in a safe environment.

“The social distancing is still an important part of what we need to do. A lot of people may think this is just tokenism, because they go straight into a contact session after, but at the end of the day, those athletes are all in a controlled environment and are tested weekly.”

However, other people however didn’t seem to offer the same views, with many questioning the value of creating such an image.

Wales Online rugby writer Matt Southcombe also believes that the reaction to the image was unnecessary, and didn’t warrant such a public outrage.

“People will find anything to get angry about. I don’t mean that in a bad way, I’m not moaning, that’s just a fact!”

Matt enforced the idea that the image was created to send the right message to young and impressionable people, who idolise these players.

“Rugby players are role models and we hold them to a high standard, particularly as journalists. With the photo itself I just think they’re trying to send, what right-minded people think is, a good message.”

Despite coming into such close contact with other players on a regular basis, Matt stated that the players are still aware of the consequences of their actions.

“Even when they’re in camp, they are being told constantly to consider their actions, whether they need to be sat so close to somebody. Even though everybody is tested, they’re still being told, keep your distance from each other, unless you have to be close. ”

It seems there were some people who were on the same wavelength as Matt and Robert, by interpreting the image as symbolism.

Matt believed the image had completely innocent intentions and some people had simply interpreted the post in a negative manner.

“They’re just trying to send a positive message about a serious subject and unfortunately some people have decided to take it the wrong way.”

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