On Thursday, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles rugby team will become the first club in the league to call for the inclusion of the LGBT community in the sport with a team uniform.
However, this decision of the team management has not been discussed with the players, and some athletes have opposed the LGBT movement due to religious and cultural reasons.
The club apologized for the situation.
The team’s coach, Des Hassler, says the club has made a “significant mistake” that has caused “confusion, discomfort and pain for many people, especially the groups whose human rights we are actually trying to support”.
In a press conference on Tuesday, he apologized to the LGBT community and also to the players involved.
“They were not included in any of the discussions, but they should have at least been consulted,” Hasler said.
According to league rules, players on the same team cannot wear different jerseys.
Thursday’s game is seen as important for the club’s chances of reaching the league final.
