Demonising Vunipola is not the answer
Islander community calling for cool heads over No 8’s religion
‘VUNIPOLA WAS BOOED BY THE HOME CROWD WHEN HE CAME ON’
WHAT was supposed to be a quiet, run-of-themill day for Saracens in the Bedminster corner of Bristol turned out to be anything but. Billy Vunipola was not even named in the starting XV but the eyes of the world were trained on Ashton Gate in light of the homophobia storm that has shaken English rugby following the England international’s comments.
They also expected to watch a Saracens victory, yet Bristol defied the odds to secure a famous lastgasp win in their relegation fight. Their victory song on the stadium Tannoy? ‘It’s Raining Men’.
‘Keep smiling, Billy!’ shouted a Saracens supporter, as the No8 got off the team bus upon arrival at the stadium. ‘We love you, Billy!’ shouted another fan in red, as Vunipola was mobbed for selfies by school children who no doubt had little grasp of his comments.
Most others at Ashton Gate were not so forgiving. When Vunipola was brought on after 51 minutes, his arrival was greeted by a chorus of boos and a similar reaction followed every time he touched the ball. The people of Bristol made no secret of their feelings about the 26-year-old’s decision to support Australia full-back Israel Folau’s hate-spreading campaign against homosexuals.
The only noise that drowned out the booing was the chant of ‘Bristol, Bristol, Bristol’ as Pat Lam’s side snatched a 23-21 win with a penalty from Ian Madigan.
Over the coming days, Vunipola will learn of the repercussions from club, country and sponsors. Twickenham chiefs have called him in for a meeting, while his car provider Land Rover are ‘reviewing the situation internally’.
Saracens had none of their seven British and Irish Lions in their starting team. Bristol were also missing front-line players but they
capitalised on uncharacteristic errors by the visitors.
The kicking game was loose from both sides. When Sean Maitland attacked from a wayward clearance kick, Saracens’ show-pony No10 Max Malins linked slickly with Tom Whitely to set up the scrum half to score after 10 minutes. But their play lacked control and the swear jar built up in the visitors’ coaching box over infringements at the scrum and botched lineouts.
Yet Bristol missed their shots in the first half and had just two Callum Sheedy penalties to show at half-time. During the break, the debate was about how to deal with a problem like Vunipola: sanctions or education?
Rugby can hardly stand on its high horse when it comes to inclusivity. The sport is often criticised for class prejudice, while the women’s game is a work-in-progress and there are no openly gay players in the Premiership.
The social media jury was out on Friday. Players, fans and LGBT groups all condemned Vunipola for his actions. Yet fellow members of the Pacific Island community rallied around the England star, with many Tongans, Samoans and Fijians sharing similar religious beliefs.
‘Demonising Billy isn’t the answer,’ said one Pacific Island supporter.
‘It’s too simplistic to say that a quick sanction will change things. The belief system has been fostered since these communities were colonised in the 1800s. It’s a prevalent mindset but that doesn’t excuse it.’
Saracens’ heavy artillery – Vunipola, Jamie George and Maro Itoje – arrived in the 50th minute. Bristol had just taken the lead, when Mat Protheroe broke from his own half, before Alapati Leiua set up Stephen Luatua to score.
Saracens powered their way into Bristol territory and Harry Thacker was sin-binned for collapsing a maul. The visitors maintained the pressure and moments later Marcelo Bosch snatched back the lead from a driving maul. But yet again, the lead changed hands. Former All Black and Ulster tighthead John Afoa made a glorious line break, defying his years to send Dan Thomas under the posts.
With 70 minutes on the clock, replacement prop Ralph Adams Hale crashed over after phase play. Bristol were slipping deeper into the relegation mire but, when Jackson Wray was penalised at the death, up stepped former Leinster star Madigan to nail the winning kick as the boos were replaced by pure elation.