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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National

Storm over rugby league players' 'offensive' end-of-season party T-shirts

'NO PLACE': Old Bar Pirates players were seen wearing the shirts at Newcastle Airport at the start of an end-of-season trip. Country Rugby League said action would be taken.

Old Bar Pirates players have been ordered by Country Rugby League to immediately destroy shirts displaying the words 'Rape and Pillage tour 2019'.

A social media storm erupted after some members of the club wore the shirts to Newcastle Airport on September 19 when flying to the Gold Coast for an end-of-season trip.

Both the club and Country Rugby League were contacted.

Country Rugby League issued a statement labelling the T-shirts "extremely offensive" and having "no place in our game".

"The behaviour of these persons is inexcusable and it is extremely disappointing," it said.

"The Old Bar Club denies having any involvement in producing the T-shirts, which was an action of individuals."

It said the individuals involved had been ordered to destroy the T-shirts immediately.

"The club is part of the Tackling Violence program and is taking this matter very seriously," it said.

"Once we find out the names of these said individuals they will be sanctioned accordingly."

The club released a statement saying "The Old Bar Beach Pirates Rugby League Club did not sanction these shirts".

"As a club we endeavour to support and promote a strong anti violence message, as well as support Women in League and our community," it said.

"The Pirates have been in contact with the Country Rugby League and will be working cooperatively with them.''

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