THE RFU DO NOT WANT MY OPINION
Robinson not consulted over diversity
WORLD CUP winning england legend Jason Robinson has revealed his dismay that the RFU have never approached him to help them embrace diversity. as the national union review their unofficial anthem of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot and its links to slavery as part of a wider look at inclusivity, Robinson hopes it leads to more education in rugby and society in general. But the 45-year-old has been left disillusioned by the RFU, who have never asked him to help them tackle these issues. ‘i’ve always been astounded that i have never been used to help,’ said Robinson. ‘it would be a good role but would i want to contribute? is my opinion worth it?’ Robinson thinks he is ideally placed to assist the RFU as not only england’s most famous black rugby player, but also having experienced hardship in his life. ‘i came from rugby league to union, i’m from a council estate, have had challenges and no one has ever asked me for my opinion,’ he added. ‘you don’t have to be from a BAME background to understand it but it makes a difference. ‘From an early age i had lots of racism on the field. My mum stopped going to games because of the racism in the crowd and hearing her son being spoken about in such a way — she couldn’t handle it. ‘i saw the class divide, too, when i switched to union. i understood it. i have a schools programme now and speak from experience because i know what it’s like to come from a single-parent family, to encounter racism, to have come from a deprived area. ‘if you’re trying to do something in these areas you have to understand the challenges these kids face. a lot of kids can’t afford to pay for the kit, the subscription, or can’t get there because they’re from a single-parent family. i relied on a friend’s dad to pick me up. these are the barriers that a lot of kids face. Unless you understand that, it’s tough.’ But Robinson says all his knowledge and experience is untapped. ‘i have to go on to a system to buy two tickets to games,’ he said. ‘i might be a World cup winner, an england captain but i am Joe Bloggs when it comes to attending games. if that’s how i’m seen, i don’t think i’m seen as very valuable. One minute you’re treated as a World cup hero, the next you’re scrambling for tickets.’
Robinson was the only black player when england won the World cup in 2003 — so he is proud the team is more diverse now. He did not have a problem with fans singing
Swing Low, but thinks the song’s history must be explained to educate fans. ‘i have never been offended by it,’ he said. ‘i have sung it myself. Have i sung it in ignorance? Whenever i hear
Swing Low it reminds me of rugby, of england and it’s sung to cheer on the players. this will make me look into it. i don’t know the origin of most buildings, street names — it’s an extensive list — but if england are singing a song and its origins are offensive then that needs to be looked at. you can only make change when you’re aware. ‘Let’s look at inequalities, organisations that struggle with diversity and let’s try and do it from the top down. ‘in 2003 i was the only black person. Looking at my old photo of the World cup final to now, it’s progression. it’s important. How else is there a place for you in any organisation if you never see anyone that represents you? How can you make a difference in communities when you don’t understand the communities they come from? ‘at twickenham, Maggie alphonsi is the only BaMe board member. it’s not just about black faces. Why is there no one there from the asian community, for example? ‘there’s a bigger picture here that we have to deal with. Diversity would be better for everyone.’