It's all about discipline

Following allegations from a parent of racist remarks being directed at a Wesley College player during a match against Castleknock College recently, five coaches from Dublin schools were asked their views on racism in schools' rugby. None of them would go on the record. Here is a few of their quotes.

"There is a notion abroad that kids in private schools are well behaved and disciplined, but that is not the case. They are well able to sledge (verbally abuse) like the rest of them."

"There's no question, the racist issue is a discipline issue. What values do the kids have? You just have to listen to what is said from the sideline from some fringe lunatics."

"If this leads to a whole reappraisal of behaviour on and off the field, then this is a good thing."

"I don't think there is any doubt that the behaviour of parents and coaches is sometimes scandalous. They have to take a hard look at their role in all of this."

"Some of the coaches . . . you'd wonder what they are saying to the kids."

"No I've never experienced any racism in schools rugby. I've honestly never had a personal experience."

"It's definitely there and I think it will rear its ugly head even more as people from other countries come into the system."

"There is a club culture now being instilled into schools rugby. When I coach the kids I come from a position of only ever having dealt with adults. And that attitude is that you win at all costs."

While not specifically having a rule dealing with racism, the IRFU points out that Law 4.12 (vi), which deals with conduct detrimental to the best interests of the union or game, covers the issue.