Mum’s ‘embarrassing’ interference in junior rugby game ‘brawl’ sparks debate, ex-Union player praises act
A parent has been sanctioned after storming onto the field during a heated on-field exchange at a junior sports match.
A Sydney rugby club has sanctioned a parent who stepped onto the field during a heated exchange between players at the weekend, sparking debate over parental behaviour at junior sports games.
The woman entered the playing area during Eastwood’s clash with Warringah at Epping Boy’s School on Saturday and approached a group of players as a “brawl” erupted in the match.
Streamed footage of the game showed the woman walking into a confrontation involving several players near the sideline during the Under-20s contest.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Wearing a pink top and light wash blue jeans, the mother of one of the Eastwood players appeared to single out one player as she moved through the group.
Speaking on Sydney radio station 2GB, a witness, identified as Kylie, said the initial on-field altercation between the players was not particularly serious before the woman became involved.
“There was not much in it. Two players were going at it in back play,” Kylie told 2GB host Ben Fordham.
“The game had moved further down the field and then the mum ran on, saying ‘Get off my son’. And then all the Warringah players on the sideline started laughing because it was right in front of their bench.
“So as she was walking off, they copped a spray. It was pretty embarrassing.”
Kylie said the woman remained at the ground after the incident and declined to provide her name when approached by officials.
She added that the actions had placed unwanted attention on the woman’s son.
“It’s embarrassing for him. For her. It’s embarrassing for the club,” she continued.
“If it was a dad running on it would be a whole different conversation. Nobody would think it was cute or a passionate mum.”
According to 2GB, both the Sydney Rugby Union and Eastwood Rugby Club have taken action against the woman and sanctioned her.
The incident has divided opinion, with former Wallabies captain Nick Farr-Jones expressing sympathy for a parent acting out of concern for a child.
“If my wife Angie jumped onto the field to protect one of my sons then good on her,” he told the station.
“Have a go... good on her.
The former Rugby Union player said he loved “passionate and protective mothers”, adding that the woman should only be dealt a minor consequence.
“It would have been spontaneous no doubt. There wouldn’t have been a lot of premeditation,” he added.
“She’s in a spot of bother, but just give her a speeding fine and maybe one demerit point.”
The Nightly has contacted Eastwood Rugby Club for comment.
