BILLY BROKE THE KIDS’ TV RULE
RFU reprimand Vunipola for flouting contract guidelines
BILLY VUNIPOLA was reprimanded by the RFU for flouting guidelines set out in his contract which warn England ‘role models’ to behave on social media as if they were on children’s television.
The England No 8, 26, escaped a fine or ban for his Instagram post — which includes the phrase ‘man was made for woman to procreate’. He has issued no apology and it is still online with more than 8,000 ‘likes’.
But he was handed a formal warning by the RFU, his second such slap- on-thewrist after Saracens handed out a similar sanction, a stain which will remain on his record for five years and may be brought up in any future cases.
And Sportsmail can reveal details of the RFU social media guidelines which Vunipola appears to have breached — hence why the union had to act.
This season’s four-page guide, which has been seen by this newspaper, is included in all England contracts and signed by players each year.
One of the 35 points advises that players should ‘think of everything rya you put on social media as being like broadcasting on kids’ TV — and remember you will be regarded as a role model by the public and the media whether you like it or not’.
While the guidelines for England players in relation to o their social media activity are due to be updated prior to the World Cup, Sportsmail understands that the management will not impose a blackout during the tournament. Members of the squad will be urged to take responsibility for their public comments while in the Far East, but they will not be barred from posting messages.
Aside from that, the key element relating to the Vunipola case is a point which reads: ‘Do not use abusive, indecent or insulting words yourself. This includes any inappropriate references to ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, faith or religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. By sharing or retweeting anything of this nature, you become responsible for its content.’
As these are merely guidelines, and not hard and fast rules, Vunipola is not in breach of his RFU contract but he will have been reminded of these elements he
has signed up to. Indeed, the RFU statement issued yesterday concluded that Vunipola ‘has been reminded of his responsibilities as an England player and as an ambassador for the game, which values inclusivity and respect’. Vunipola’s ill-advised messages, which he posted on Friday morning, were in support of homophobic Australian full back Israel Folau, who said ‘hell awaits’ gay people.
The union warned him under rule 5.12, which they used to caution Danny Cipriani last September, for his arrest when on a Gloucester pre-season night out in Jersey. It concerns ‘conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union or the game’.
‘During the meeting the player expressed genuine regret at his public comments and understood that he had caused hurt and offence as a result of his actions,’ read tthe RFU statement. England players have breached these social mmedia guidelines before.
In 2016 former England England prop Joe Marler also received a formal warning by the RFU — although it fell under a different disciplinary regulation. He then tweeted: ‘Bob Dwyer is a w*****’ in response to the former Australia coach who claimed England cheated at the scrum, before deleting it.
At Saracens, head coach Mark McCall expects Munster fans to boo Vunipola in the Heineken Champions Cup semi-final this Saturday as Bristol supporters did last weekend.
‘It’s better to expect it to happen, and then wait and see,’ said the Northern Irishman, who expects Vunipola to start the game from No 8.
‘He has got to deal with that, and we’ve got to deal with that as a group. Billy’s sensitive, but he’s also strong. He’s got a group who support their team-mates.’