England Rugby has declared the term ‘Man of the Match’ offensive and recommends it should be changed to the gender-neutral ‘Player of the Match’ instead.
The language guide from the national rugby team has also suggested that terms such as ‘chairman’, ‘ladies and gentlemen’ and ‘guys and girls’ should be abandoned in favour of ‘chair’ and ‘everyone’, ‘team’ or ‘folks’.
It also added that a series of other words and phrases containing ‘man’ or ‘men’ that are used in rugby ‘can feel exclusionary’.
The guide, first published in 2023, warned that ‘repeated’ failures to use the correct language could amount ‘bullying’.
It said: ‘You should, however, be aware that repeated mistakes indicate a lack of respect and can be distressing for an individual or group. If it continues or is deliberate, it could constitute bullying or discrimination.’
In another part of the guidance, the English national rugby team suggested the use of alternative pronouns such as ‘they/their’ or ‘ze/zir’.
Elsewhere, a different document, titled ‘Inclusive Communications’, England Rugby also urges readers to ‘avoid gendered language – such as “the guys”, “chairman” or “dinner ladies”.’
Lord Toby Young said: ‘I can see why naming a female rugby player “Man of the Match” might be problematic. But naming a male player “Man of the Match” is unlikely to trigger even the most woke of rugby fans.
England Rugby players celebrate a try during the Six Nations earlier this year. language guide from the national rugby team has suggested replacing ‘Man of the Match’ with ‘Player of the Match’
‘I suspect these attempts to make rugby politically correct are doomed to failure.’
Other sporting bodies have also introduced inclusive language in recent years.
This included Berks and Bucks FA which claimed players should avoid the phrase ‘come on lads’ or the term ‘linesman’ because those who are not male may be ‘excluded’.
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) claimed the phrase ‘man overboard’ was offensive and should be replaced with ‘person in water’.
A spokesperson for the Rugby Football Union (RFU) told the Daily Telegraph: ‘We strive to be as inclusive an organisation and sport as possible, and choice of language and style of communication is important in achieving this.
‘These guidelines were developed in consultation with representatives from the community game following requests for support.
‘They have been widely used and lots of positive feedback received. So much so that specific guidelines for neurodiversity have been developed this year following demand from clubs to provide the very best environment for neurodivergent members.’
