Phipps denies sexist Wallaby culture

Editor

Nick Phipps insists there is not a sexist culture in the Wallaby camp following the Kurtley Beale text message scandal.

Nick Phipps insists there is not a sexist culture in the Wallaby camp following the Kurtley Beale text message scandal.

Beale was this week given a fine for sending a derogatory text to former Australia business manager Di Patston but is eligible to return to selection.

And with the Wallabies having now arrived in Europe for their November tour, Phipps maintains there is no descrimination in the camp.

“I have noticed a lot of people giving their views on harassment in the workplace,” Phipps said.

“My mum and sister would kick me in the rear end if they ever thought I was involved.

“It doesn’t reflect at all on the playing group. We’re fully supportive of women in sport and we always will be.

“If women are good enough to do the job I’d love them to be there. I find it funny that gender is always brought into it.

“I’ve worked with plenty of senior females in roles in my career, especially down in Melbourne. It really isn’t an issue for me.”

Meanwhile Phipps, who played alongside Beale in the Waratahs’ title-winning Super Rugby campaign, believes the controversial playmaker deserves another shot for his country.

“We’re all about second chances aren’t we? He’d be the first to say he made a mistake. That’s well documented,” Phipps added.

“What he did wasn’t right in any way. At the end of the day, who doesn’t deserve a chance? It will be great to have him back in the fold.

“I know there are a lot of fans out there who probably aren’t happy at the moment, but time heals.

“Kurtley will always love playing for Australia, especially because he gets on with all the players.

“He has that smiley, cheerful, happy attitude. You just need to see a picture of his smile to know he loves playing for the green and gold.”