‘Players are in the public spotlight, they have to behave accordingly’
IRFU CEO PHILIP Browne says Irish rugby stars must understand that they are in the public eye and need to live up to the values the union aspires to.
Ireland international Sean O’Brien, who is in the closing months of his IRFU contract before a move to London Irish next season, was sanctioned by the union last month for inappropriate behaviour.
O’Brien was sanctioned by the IRFU last month. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
O’Brien allegedly urinated on a member of the public in a Dublin pub on Sunday 26 May, during Leinster’s celebrations of their Guinness Pro14 final victory over Glasgow Warriors the day before.
Browne said the incident was dealt with under “a normal HR disciplinary set-up” and that the player involved was “pretty contrite.”
While commenting that a line has been drawn under the incident, Browne stressed that high-profile players have a responsibility in the public eye.
“What we do is spend a lot of time working with Rugby Players Ireland [the players union] in trying to make sure that players understand they’re in the public spotlight, that they have to behave accordingly and that there are certain values that are important to the game, which underpin the game on and off the pitch,” said Browne yesterday at IRFU headquarters.
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“You expect them to live up to those values but, by and large, our players are great ambassadors for the sport and for Ireland. They’re extremely approachable, they’re genuine, down-to-earth people and we’re fortunate in that regard.
“There’s churn in the player base all the time, so you can’t be complacent. You have to keep working at it.”
The IRFU’s values – as stated in the union’s latest strategic plan – are respect, integrity, inclusivity, fun and excellence.
Asked if he believed the incident involving such a high-profile player had damaged the public perception of rugby, Browne intimated that no sport was exempt from incidents of inappropriate behaviour.
“You’d rather it didn’t happen, to be honest, it doesn’t help,” said Brown.
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