PLAYERS from all four Gillette Four Nations teams have pledged their support to the White Ribbon campaign, an international initiative to raise awareness about domestic violence issues.
The campaign received a timely boost when England second row Jamie Jones-Buchanan, New Zealand hooker Thomas Leuluai and Australia scrum-half Johnathan Thurston turned out to give their backing to the campaign which encourages men to pledge never to commit violence against a woman and to always condemn violent behaviour
“As Rugby League players and sportsmen we act as role models for society, and it is our responsibility to show that we condemn violence in any form. I am proud to be a part of the White Ribbon campaign.” said Jones-Buchanan.
“When playing, if a player is violent it damages the whole team, and in life to ignore violence when we know it exists damages all of society.
“I wholeheartedly support the important work of the White Ribbon Campaign to involve men in pledging never to commit violence against women, never to excuse violence against women, and never to remain silent about violence against women, and I ask that all supporters of the game also pledge their support.”
On ‘White Ribbon Day’- Friday November 25 – thousands of men in the UK will be undertaking sponsored silences, educational talks, signing the White Ribbon pledge and undertaking high heeled walks to draw attention to the issue.
The White Ribbon Campaign operates in 50 countries around the world, and has very strong branches in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
For more information on the White Ribbon Campaign click here.