Rugby chiefs have condemned online abuse targeted at Wales players after their Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam dreams were ended.
Wayne Pivac’s men slipped to a 32-30 defeat in Paris as France scored an added-time try to ruin their perfect record with Taulupe Faletau and Liam Williams both in the sin-bin.
On Sunday evening, the Welsh Rugby Union published a series of abusive messages which had been aimed at just one of its players, some of which accused him of costing his team the Grand Slam.
In a post on its official Twitter account which was accompanied by the hashtag #BeKind, the WRU said: “The players are proud to represent their country and their jersey. The abuse players are receiving has to stop.”
The WRU’s stance was backed by French counterparts France Rugby, which responded with a tweet which read: “All our support dear friends… This is not the true spirit of sport and this has to stop. Congratulations again on the great performance of your team yesterday.”
Former Wales skipper Sam Warburton later threw his weight behind the WRU’s plea, describing Williams as a “modern-day great”.
Players are fans as much as anyone else. They sacrifice time with family, risk of significant injury, enormous pressure and all to make our country and fans proud and happy. PS – Liam Williams is a modern day great and iconic Wales player – end of debate 👊🏴 https://t.co/Smpue3qA69 — Sam Warburton (@samwarburton_) March 21, 2021
Warburton tweeted: “Players are fans as much as anyone else. They sacrifice time with family, risk of significant injury, enormous pressure and all to make our country and fans proud and happy.
“PS – Liam Williams is a modern day great and iconic Wales player – end of debate.”
