Time for Irish Rugby to Tackle the Deep-Rooted Culture of Misogyny
The recent sentencing of Irish rugby player Denis Coulson to 14 years in prison for the 2017 gang rape of a student in France shines a light on the deep-seated misogyny within the sport and the structural failures of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) to address it. This case is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern that highlights rugby’s toxic culture of entitlement, misogyny, and impunity. The time for the IRFU to take decisive action is long overdue. How many more victims must suffer before the organisation recognises its duty of care to society, especially to women?
The case of Coulson and his teammates from Grenoble Rugby is horrifying. A young woman, identified only as “V,” came forward with a brave and harrowing account of gang rape. Evidence revealed that V was almost poisoned with alcohol, rendered incapable of consent, and subjected to unspeakable acts of sexual violence by a group of rugby players who treated her as an object for their amusement. This included the use of a crutch, a banana, and a bottle – acts filmed and shared by Coulson. These are not just crimes of individual players, they reflect a broader culture of dehumanisation and entitlement.
The legal proceedings were marked by attempts to vilify the victim. Coulson’s lawyer described the victim as “very active” and “willing,” perpetuating outdated and harmful tropes about women’s behaviour and consent. Meanwhile, the lawyers for the other defendants mourned the “shattered destinies” of their clients, portraying them as victims of circumstance rather than predators who failed to respect a woman’s autonomy. These narratives are symptomatic of a culture that prioritises the careers and reputations of male athletes over the dignity and safety of women.
What is particularly damning is the IRFU’s lack of accountability. This is not the first time Irish rugby has been implicated in such cases. The Belfast rape trial in 2018 involving players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding brought to light similar issues of toxic masculinity and entitlement. Although both players were acquitted, the text messages revealed during the trial showed a staggering lack of respect for women. The IRFU and Ulster Rugby eventually terminated their contracts, but only after immense public backlash. The organisation’s reluctance to act swiftly sends a clear message, protecting the sport’s image takes precedence over addressing systemic misogyny.
Evidence revealed that V was almost poisoned with alcohol, rendered incapable of consent, and subjected to unspeakable acts of sexual violence by a group of rugby players who treated her as an object for their amusement.
In Coulson’s case, the IRFU’s negligence is even more glaring. Despite being charged with rape in 2017, Coulson continued to play rugby professionally, signing with Connacht Rugby later that year. The club cited legal advice as a reason for not breaking his contract, effectively allowing a man accused of a violent crime to maintain his career uninterrupted. This pattern of shielding accused players from consequences perpetuates the belief that rugby stars are untouchable, their talent granting them immunity from accountability.
The culture of misogyny within rugby is not confined to the actions of a few individuals, it is embedded in the fabric of the sport. From a young age, male players are often treated as heroes, instilled with a sense of entitlement that excuses bad behaviour. The systemic failure to challenge this attitude has created an environment where violence against women is not only tolerated but, in some cases, implicitly condoned.
The bravery of V cannot be overstated. In coming forward, she has endured character assassination and public scrutiny, yet her courage has resulted in justice. The verdict in this case sends a strong message that such behaviour is unacceptable, but the fight is far from over. For every woman who comes forward, countless others remain silent, deterred by fear of retribution, societal judgment, and institutional inaction.
The IRFU must take a hard look at itself and implement meaningful reforms. This includes mandatory education on consent and respect for all players, a zero-tolerance policy for any form of violence or misconduct, and the establishment of independent oversight to ensure accountability. Most importantly, the IRFU must stop prioritising the careers of players over the safety and dignity of women. Until these changes are made, the organisation will remain complicit in perpetuating a culture that endangers women and tarnishes the integrity of the sport.
The question is – how many more women must suffer before rugby takes responsibility?
How many more survivors like V must endure public trials and personal trauma while organisations like the IRFU continue to turn a blind eye?
Rugby’s governing bodies have a duty not just to the sport but to society as a whole to weed out criminal behaviour and attitudes that demean and harm women. Anything less is an abdication of their responsibility.
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