New Zealand Black Ferns Sarah Goss in action against Wallaroos. Photo / NZME.
New Zealand Black Ferns Sarah Goss in action against Wallaroos. Photo / NZME.
World Rugby owes its players an explanation on the decision to ban the writing of any personal messages on their wrist tape, says Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Goss.
The policy was heavily criticised by players and supporters on Tuesday after it emerged on social media, with Ferns star Niall Williams - the sister of All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill - calling it "sad".
The Kiwis are in Dubai preparing for the first leg of the Sevens World Series season starting on Thursday evening (NZT).
It's sad that in today's world we can't even write a personal message on our OWN WRISTS when we play. My daughter's initials on my wrists means so much to me AND my daughters! I would like to know what msgs @WorldRugby saw on wrists that made them come to this decision??#TL#RR
Williams' tweet was endorsed by All Black Ardie Savea, while Canadian player Jen Kish called the policy "just ridiculous", adding: "they have taken away my freedom to express myself".
Although the decision is yet to be confirmed by World Rugby, Goss said players were told it would go ahead - and that they could be fined (reportedly up to $1000) should they continue with the practice.
"We've been told we're not allowed to write anything on the strapping on our wrists and we'd be fined if we do so - we've been told it's a policy World Rugby have come out with now," Goss told Radio Sport's Reuben Mama.
"We're not sure why they've made this decision [but] hopefully we'll get those answers in the next few days or even after the tournament.
"There are a few players who are not happy about it and it's something we'll ask for feedback on . . . it would be nice if World Rugby came out and explained their decision."
Goss, who was recently crowned the Oceania athlete of the year in Prague, said the team were backing players like Williams, who had chosen to speak out about the decision.
Niall Williams called World Rugby's decision "sad". Photo / Photosport
"Our team focus a lot on family, they mean a lot to us and have sacrificed a lot for us to be here," she said.
"To have them on your wrist as a reminder is something special. That's why Niall does it.
"She has kids as well and she's away from home a lot and it's her reminder they are always with her."
Political statements have long been frowned on by World Rugby and New Zealand Rugby but this is the first time the game's governing body has threatened to end messages altogether.
Recently All Black prop Kane Hames was given a warning by NZ Rugby after writing a message of support for Native Americans while on a New Zealand Maori tour.
Hames wrote "Standing Rock" on his wrist tape before a match against the USA Eagles in Chicago, a message of support for those protesting an oil pipeline through Native American land in North Dakota.
World Rugby have outlined the background of the policy.
The policy is not a new development for rugby sevens as it is not permitted to have any type of messaging or marks on player equipment or strapping at the Olympic Games under IOC regulations.
This was adhered to by the teams at Rio 2016. Messaging on strapping is not permitted under the World Series tournament rules.
There has been a big increase in the last couple of seasons making it impossible for the match officials to check every player in the seconds immediately before they run onto the field (especially if not in English). Why? While the overwhelming majority of messages are ok, there have been instances where a slogan may be unacceptable to another team, nation, broadcaster etc.
The policy was accepted by all of the series teams.
