The Exeter University Rugby and Football Club has found themselves in controversy following a self-described ‘Hymn Sheet’ containing parody-style songs which students have described as “sexist” and “classist”. Excerpts Exeposé obtained from an anonymous source include a reference to “dirty skets”, as well as a song entitled ‘Polytechnic Idiots’. This song features lyrics mocking working […]
The Culture of Sport
Rugby clubs speak out amidst allegations of sexual misconduct, assault and racism
The Exeter University Rugby Football Club have launched an internal investigation following a series of allegations on social media ranging from sexual assault to racial abuse.
March Madness Inequality
March Madness Inequality Elise Hamersley, Online Sport Editor, discusses the disparity in provisions at the NCAA’s 2021 March Madness tournament There’s more than one type of madness unfolding at this year’s NCAA college basketball tournament. Women’s teams from all over the USA descended on Texas last Thursday and quickly complained about the gym equipment provided. […]
COVID Sport Restrictions: Bubbling Up More Progress?
COVID Sport Restrictions: Bubbling Up More Progress? Billy Densham suggests COVID-19 bubbles have highlighted the importance of prioritising athlete mental health The mental wellbeing of athletes has been pulled into sharp focus as a result of tight COVID restrictions. This could be a watershed moment where the sporting community accepts that mental health has to […]
LGBT+ History Month: Undoing Homophobia in Sport
LGBT+ History Month: Undoing Homophobia in Sport Online Sport Editor, Elise Hamersley, takes a look at the role sport plays in LGBT+ History Month, and the work still needed to undo a culture of homophobia This February is LGBT+ history month, an annual observance of queer history and civil/gay rights movements. In the UK, this […]
Opinion – Restructuring, not restarting, needed to revive Premiership
Opinion – Restructuring, not restarting, needed to revive Premiership Print Sport Editor Nick Powell looks at financially motivated plans to restart Rugby Union’s Premiership and ways that this could be avoided. Rugby and Football are not the same. In England’s semi-final win against New Zealand at last year’s Rugby World Cup there were a total […]
Homophobia in sport – ongoing yet neglected
An ongoing issue which appears relatively stagnant and to a large degree unreflective of wider society, homophobia in sport is having a major impact on LGBTQ+ athletes. Coming out to friends or family is challenging for any individual, as it reveals a personal journey and fundamental part of their identity. In sport however, it seems […]
Hallowed Ground: The Sanctity of St. James’ Park
The first time is always special. Whether it’s the ghostly glow above the surrounding rooftops during a midweek evening kick-off, or the low rumble of thousands of voices shouting in unison at 3pm on a Saturday, you don’t forget it. The wonder of a community football club’s hallowed turf has inspired, enthralled and united communities […]
No Man Is An Island: International Rugby’s Qualification Laws
From Holyhead to Haverfordwest, scoring two tries for Wales on your debut is the kind of dream held by many youngsters – less so, perhaps, in Huntersville, New Zealand, the hometown of Wales’ newest rugby starlet Hadleigh Parkes. Yet his selection is an example of an increasingly common trend in the Home Nations – Ireland, […]
In The Floodlights: Ross Barkley
W hat do you suppose was going through Ross Barkley’s mind as he wheeled away to celebrate in front of the Gwladys Street End after Everton’s second goal in a 3-1 defeat of Burnley towards the end of last season? Or, indeed, when he picked up the ball in the middle of the field against […]