Rugby league club savaged for 'abhorrent' footy trip shirts

A rugby league club from the NSW mid-north coast is under investigation after several players were photographed wearing shirts reading ‘Rape and Pillage Tour’ at Newcastle Airport.

Players from Group 3 club Old Bar Beach were snapped by a traveller wearing the custom shirts, which had been designed for their end of season trip.

The slogan quickly prompted backlash after it was shared on social media by Channel 9 commentator Peter FitzSimons.

New South Wales Country Rugby League has announced the players in question will be disciplined upon completion of an investigation.

Competition chief executive Terry Quinn described the situation as ‘extremely disappointing’ in a statement posted on their website.

“The behaviour of these persons is inexcusable and it is extremely disappointing,” Quinn said.

“The Old Bar Club denies having any involvement in producing the t-shirts, which was an action of individuals.

“We have been in contact with the club and the individuals have been instructed to destroy the t-shirts immediately.

“Once we find out the names of these said individuals they will be sanctioned accordingly.”

Social media backlash to ‘abhorrent’ slogan

Condemnation of the players’ shirts was swift on social media.

Some said they were surprised the players were allowed on the plane, while FitzSimons urged the CRL to look into the matter.