All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has given his players - particularly halfback TJ Perenara - a collective pat on the back for their approach to recent social media exchanges.
Perenara, along with Chiefs halfback Brad Weber, was one of the most outspoken defenders of the gay community after Wallabies star Israel Folau claimed homosexuals would be sent to hell if they didn't "repent of their sins".
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Folau's comments on Instagram have divided a rugby community that has tried to embrace a philosophy of increased diversity and inclusion in recent times.
But while many are outraged by Folau's anti-gay sentiments and others defend his right to express his devout religious beliefs, the comments have made it harder for some young people to come to terms with their sexuality.
Perenara has spoken out to comfort those struggling with the issue and Hansen, while not exactly known as a social media expert, has endorsed his player's approach.
"We always have an awareness of social media," he told media, after a players' camp in Wellington on Monday. "The world we live in now is one where people a lot younger than myself, it's the norm for them.
"There's no way we can stop people using it, nor do we want to - but we do want people to be respectful and not only have opinions, but make those opinions ones that don't cause any harm to other people."
In that regard, Perenara's stance was absolutely appropriate, said Hansen.
"In TJ's case, I was really proud of him. I thought his tweet was on the money, that it's OK to be who you are - you're a good human being, regardless of whether you're a gay person or a straight person.
"We don't care and I don't care personally, but he tweeted well, his words are good and he gave a strong message to those young people who are worried about their identity."
Newshub.
