Rugby: What needs to change to stop the scandal?

• October 8, 2016

Rugby: What needs to change to stop the scandal?

University of Auckland sports sociologist Toni Bruce. Photo: Jessica-Belle Greer


Rugby has long been intertwined with New Zealand's national identity, but recent scandals involving top-level players have raised questions over whether it needs a cultural revamp.

The organisation and its players have been heavily criticised for their handling of the Chiefs stripper saga.

The assault case involving Wellington Lions player Losi Filipo has also caused more controversy.

Most recently, the airport bathroom incident with All Black Aaron Smith.

University of Auckland sports sociologist Toni Bruce has studied the role of gender, race and national identity in rugby for more than 20 years.

She spoke to Te Waha Nui reporter John-Michael Swannix.

Watch the interview below. Video: John-Michael Swannix, Mandy Te and Jessica-Belle Greer

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