Rugby-England Rugby joins British sport in social media boycott

England Rugby on Thursday said it would join football and other sports' social media blackout this weekend in a show of solidarity against online abuse. "We've all seen how social media can help bring fans and players closer together but this does not mean abuse should be ignored." The campaign has received backing from Premiership Rugby, English cricket and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), as well as broadcasters BT Sport, Sky Sports and talkSPORT.

England Rugby on Thursday said it would join football and other sports' social media blackout this weekend in a show of solidarity against online abuse. All social media channels run by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), including England Rugby, Premier 15s, Greene King IPA Championship and GB7s will switch off social media accounts from 3 pm (1400 GMT) on Friday to 11.59 pm on Monday.

"No professional sportsperson should have to suffer abuse, racism or harassment on social media," Red Roses captain Sarah Hunter said. "We've all seen how social media can help bring fans and players closer together but this does not mean abuse should be ignored."

The campaign has received backing from Premiership Rugby, English cricket and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), as well as broadcasters BT Sport, Sky Sports and talkSPORT.

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