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RUGBYU-SUPER,PREVIEW
Gloomy return for Super Rugby after mosque attacks
WELLINGTON, March 21, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – The Otago Highlanders paid their
respects at a mosque on Thursday as Super Rugby prepared to make a sombre
return to action a week after the Christchurch killings.
Players laid a wreath and handed over a commemorative jersey to community
leaders at the mosque in Dunedin, before travelling to Auckland for Friday’s
clash with the Blues.
Last Friday’s massacre at two Christchurch mosques, which left 50 people
dead, has stunned rugby-mad New Zealand.
“For us, after the tragic events of last Friday, this was the first chance
as a club and individuals we’ve had to show our respect and our condolences
to the Muslim community,” Highlanders CEO Roger Clark told TVNZ.
“Somebody said to me it’s a small Muslim community and they’re all
connected to someone in Christchurch, so for us to be able to do anything for
them is important,” he added.
Further tributes are expected when games resume on Friday. Last week, the
Highlanders’ match against the Christchurch-based Crusaders was cancelled,
but others went ahead. The Crusaders, whose name has been called into
question after the mass shootings, will hold a minute’s silence before
Saturday’s game in Sydney against the NSW Waratahs.
“This tragedy has rocked our community, and we really feel for all those
affected by the events of last Friday in Christchurch,” said Crusaders coach
Scott Robertson.
All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams, a devout Muslim and a former
Crusaders player, is skipping Friday’s game for the Blues to support those
grieving in Christchurch.
“We admire what he is standing for, the fact he would like to go down
there, grieve and be part of the support for the region and the people of New
Zealand,” said Blues assistant coach Tom Coventry.
Meanwhile Stormers captain Siya Kolisi said the team had debated whether
lock Salmaan Moerat, who is Muslim, should travel to New Zealand for
Saturday’s game against the Wellington Hurricanes.
“One of the senior guys in our team was worried about it,” Kolisi told
TVNZ. “But we’ll be with him at all times and I know the people of New
Zealand will look after us.”
Separately, Japan’s Sunwolves prepare to play the Lions in Singapore
knowing this could be their last season in Super Rugby.
Competition organisers are due to make an announcement on Friday following
reports that the Sunwolves are about to be axed — six months before Japan
hosts the Rugby World Cup.
BSS/AFP/RY/12:55 hrs