World Rugby condemns online hate - after match officials report abuse
The sport's governing body has spoken out after a number of cases abuse reported towards match officials at the Rugby World Cup - including against Somerset's Tom Foley
We're told rugby is 'united' in taking a stand against the rise of online hate, discrimination and threats in the sport.
It's after what's been described as 'deeply disturbing' abuse towards match officials at this year's Rugby World Cup - including against Somerset's Tom Foley.
It has been claimed that Foley, who was the television match official, and others experienced a swathe of abuse following the match - something World Rugby say they hope by working with AI firms to 'identify, unmask and take action' against hate, it'll curb the behaviour.
Before this year's Rugby World Cup, the sport's governing body launched a pilot programme with Signify AI, in a bid to support match officials, players, coaches and personnel from online abuse and hate.
World Rugby's stance on hate has extended to not hiding posts on social media, which it's claimed helps Signify AI to take action against such behaviour.
We're told that there is a 'growing trend' in online abuse and hate against match officials, which has become clear following this year's World Cup.
The governing body say they 'will pursue and take action' against anybody who disseminates hate.
World Rugby spokesperson Dominic Rumbles said: “The rise of online hate, discrimination and threats in sport and society is deplorable and rugby is united in taking a firm stand.
"At Rugby World Cup 2023 World Rugby partnered with Signify AI to protect its match officials and their families by identifying, unmasking and taking action against the worst kind of hate with a number of referrals made to law enforcement agencies in multiple countries.
"We hope prosecutions will follow that send a clear message such behaviour will not be tolerated and that even if a person hides behind an alias on a social media network, they can be identified and charged.”
In total, 26 match officials and their families were covered by the protection offered by Signify AI, and we're told 900 individuals with some 300 posts were considered to have 'crossed the line' during this year's Rugby World Cup.