‘Man of the Match’ is Offensive, Says England Rugby

The term ‘man of the match’ should not be used, England Rugby has declared, with a new woke language guide issued by the national team recommending ‘player of the match’ as a gender-neutral alternative. The Telegraph has more.

A language guide issued by the national rugby team, of which the Princess of Wales is patron, recommends “player of the match” as a gender-neutral alternative.

The guide, which was first published in 2023 and remains in use, says a series of other words and phrases containing “man” or “men” that are used in rugby “can feel exclusionary”.

It warns that the terms “chairman”, “ladies and gentlemen” and “guys and girls” should be abandoned in favour of “chair” and “everyone”, “team” or “folks”.

The document was branded “nonsense” by critics for claiming that not using “inclusive” language can “constitute bullying or discrimination”.

“For example, a lot of phrases in sport include the word ‘man’ or ‘men’, which can feel exclusionary,” it reads.

In another document, titled ‘Inclusive Communications’, England Rugby also urges readers to “avoid gendered language – such as ‘the guys’, ‘chairman’ or ‘dinner ladies’”.

Former [?!] journalist Toby Young – now Lord Young – who founded the Free Speech Union (FSU), said the guides represented an attempt “to make rugby politically correct”.

“I can see why naming a female rugby player ‘Man of the Match’ might be problematic – unless the player is a trans woman, of course,” he said. “But naming a male player ‘Man of the Match’ is unlikely to trigger even the most woke of rugby fans.

“I suspect these attempts to make rugby politically correct are doomed to failure.”

In the language guide, England Rugby warns that “repeated” failures to use inclusive language can amount to “bullying or discrimination”.

“You should, however, be aware that repeated mistakes indicate a lack of respect and can be distressing for an individual or group,” it reads. “If it continues or is deliberate, it could constitute bullying or discrimination.”

Elsewhere, it endorses the use of the pronouns “they/their” and “ze/zir”.

It reads: “Words we use to refer to people’s gender in conversation – for example ‘he’ or ‘she’. Some people may prefer others to refer to them in gender neutral language and use pronouns such as they/their and ze/zir.”

It also claims there are more than two genders, saying: “When referring to gender, your language should not assume a binary view – so rather than using terms such as ‘both genders’ you should refer to ‘all genders’.”

Worth reading in full.