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Bledisloe Cup: Wallabies consider kneeling down during the Australia versus New Zealand anthem

The Wallabies could be the first Australian national team to suffer a knee sore during the national anthem in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Senior Wallaby Dane Haylett-Petty announced that the squad will examine the silent declaration of protest ahead of the third Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks on October 31 at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney when they will wear their new indigenous style jersey.

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While several sports clubs and organizations around the world have gotten on their knees before the Games or have openly supported BLM – including the NBA, European football and the English Super League – the Wallabies would be the only Australian team to do so.

“It’s great that the sport has a great opportunity to have a say and be part of the conversation. Many sports have done this and it would be a great thing for us to do,” said Haylett-Petty.

“I can’t speak for everyone, of course, but I definitely think it would be a great show of support.

I think this is probably a discussion as a group and we would definitely consider it. “

Under the new trainer Dave Rennie, a Kiwi from the Cook Islands, the Wallabies learned to get to know different cultures two weeks ago before the start in Bledisloe and to sing Fijian and Tongan songs during the camp.

He’s obviously very interested in bringing the different cultures together. You’ve probably seen some of the songs we sang and learned about different cultures, ”said Haylett-Petty.

“We have a very diverse group and we see that as a great strength of ours. And that also helps to ensure that all Australians, especially the First Nations, can be represented with this jersey. “

The wallabies will consider taking a knee.
Media cameraThe wallabies will consider taking a knee.

While the Wallabies will be donning the new First Nations strip for the first time in Sydney, no player of indigenous heritage has been added to the roster, which is alarming how rugby talent is developing from within these communities.

Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan said: I think it shows that we need to open more playing paths for indigenous rugby players, but it also means that we are very committed to an inclusive culture.

“We are very proud of our Aboriginal and indigenous heritage and will proudly promote it.”

Indigenous wallabies legend Gary Ella said the league took advantage of its early advantage over the union to attract talent by paying players from the start – while rugby didn’t turn pro until 1996.

“In the beginning the league was really dominant and if you look at the states outside of NSW and Queensland, AFL had a really strong base for a very long time,” said Ella.

“We are gradually rolling out the game to more Aboriginal communities across Australia [with the] Big Time (development program) has players associated with seven teams, but now we also have a lot more players playing club rugby.

“We’ve had good results lately and a lot more people have chosen Super, and now Aboriginal people see this opportunity to play professionally. And they are looking for this opportunity.

I think the league has always been professional and therefore had an early stage so people could make a living doing this particular sport. But now they say rugby offers just as much. “

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