Rugby player banned after homophobic social media post mocking opponent for wearing pink top and leggings

An amateur rugby player has been banned after posting a homophobic message on social media in which he described an opposing player as “gay” for wearing pink clothing and leggings during a match.

Kyle Skipworth, who plays for Grimsby RUFC, has been handed an eight‑week suspension by an independent Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary panel after admitting a charge of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game.

The ban relates to an Instagram story posted in January, which showed Skipworth tackling a player from North Hykeham RUFC, accompanied by a caption referring to the opponent’s pink top, leggings and gold boots. The RFU deemed the post to be homophobic and in breach of its disciplinary rules .

The panel initially imposed a 10‑week suspension, which was reduced to eight weeks on the condition that Skipworth completes an LGBTQ+ inclusion course. In its written decision, the panel said the post relied on harmful stereotypes and suggested that wearing certain colours or clothing was incompatible with masculinity or toughness in rugby.

The RFU said the message implied that a player’s sexuality could be judged based on their appearance and reinforced outdated associations between homosexuality and femininity, which it described as unacceptable within the sport.

Skipworth admitted the charge and apologised for the post, saying it had been intended as a joke and that he removed it shortly after publication. He told the panel he had not intended to cause offence and said he would be more careful about what he shares online in futur .

Grimsby RUFC conducted its own internal investigation and chose not to impose a separate club sanction. However, the RFU proceeded with the disciplinary case, arguing that the post risked bringing the game into disrepute and undermined efforts to make rugby more inclusive.