Over the last few days HERRUGBYCOUNTS has been receiving dozens of emails and calls in regards to the article of the "'Sevens' Apologies" and our petition. In the midst of fielding these calls and emails we have watched the pool of media interest, both good and bad, swell up around a particular college rugby athlete known as Georgia Page. (We debated on including the link because if you really want to, you will google it and watch the video anyway.)

With regard to this viral video that has captured millions of views and counting, we ask HERRUGBYCOUNTS current and future supporters to consider a few thoughts on the abrupt transformation of the language used to market the latest tackle heard round the world.

Prior to Georgia gaining so much ground in the media, she received praise for her toughness and true grit out on the pitch at the 2015 College Rugby Championship finals. The original title for the video included her name and school accompanied by the phrase, "Female rugby player breaks nose, continues playing, proceeds to tackle two more players." Within this description, without even seeing the video, even non-rugby fans are capable of imagining what had taken place. The physical fortitude and credit to her determination is evident from the description alone. Bravo, to this original title.

Aside from the related discussions littering social media on concussion and injury management in full contact sports, we must draw your attention to the timely re-packaging of the video and title change from the aforementioned to "The Rugby War Goddess Georgia Page, Breaking Hearts With A Broken Nose."

Over the next 24 hours, the nature of comments about this wonderfully talented athlete, saw some changes online. Although a small portion of the market, google reveals secondary blogs and sites with sexual content and visceral comments about Georgia, her body and inappropriate predictions of her sexual habits. (WARNING: Material and language used may be too graphic for some, be advised)

Now, is HERRUGBYCOUNTS imposing the expectation that we could ever truly eliminate negative posts and exploitation via social media? Of course not, but that doesn't mean we cannot work to change our language and be diligent in our correction or education in the media. So much of the focus or gravitation toward physical appearance or subjects of a sexual nature when reporting on female athletes must be addressed.

As pointed out in the article re-posted on HERRUGBYCOUNTS by Bustle.

The praise of Page’s hardcore playing seems to be based on the idea that she’s done something unusual, something “manly,” and should be rewarded for defeating stereotypes. Really, however, we’ve just imposed your preexisting gender standards onto her — goddess label and all. She, and every other female in her sport, have been awesome all along; it’s just that nobody was bothering to pay attention.

So you see, Georgia, as a college rugby athlete, who showed amazing heart and fortitude, has suddenly been thrust onto a media scene that we are guessing not even she anticipated. She's not apologizing nor does she need to. The fact is that her "talent" has gone viral and many say it is "good for the women's game" and such a turning point for exposure. From where we sit, HERRUGBYCOUNTS believes that being able to witness Georgia's athleticism and determination live, for an entire match against Penn State, would have been far more advantageous for the game.

Oh and by the way, here's the point of this article and message to the media.

Dear Everyone covering Georgia Page and any of her rugby family in the future,



In the event you were privileged enough to cover Georgia Page, "the rugby athlete", you forgot a few things in the midst of that double tackle video making its way to millions of smartphones and laptops:

You labeled Georgia amazing and spoke about her nose and how it was breaking your heart. You then opened up the door for many to start commenting on her physical appearance rather than her talent. HERRUGBYCOUNTS wants you to know that Georgia is indeed amazing, but not because of the reasons you listed on the sites marginalizing her achievements. The tackles were big but the true magic occurred when Georgia got back up after delivering a hit. She did not quit nor did she abandon her team despite the conditions. Does Georgia regard herself as amazing or make reference to her own looks? No and don't expect her to. However, we want you to know that her athleticism would be just as valuable no matter her size, age, gender, color or commercial title splashed all over her recorded physical triumphs.

For all of us who have actually made a tackle (without pads on) we can rightfully replay that one perfect hit which felt as though we hardly even worked for it, despite the other person being completely laid out. This is a remarkable feeling. In contrast, this same group knows precisely how that one hit feels where we received it and it feels like a Mack truck hitting a sports car.

Who knows if Georgia and her opponent experienced one or both of these but in reality, the tackles were so much more than just the producers of a broken nose and some Youtube hits. The greatest story here is that we had the privilege to witness the fortitude following the hit because of what rugby teaches.

This same fortitude will be the reason why Georgia Page continues to be successful long after rugby has left her sights. As demonstrated, Georgia Page did not hesitate which tells us she will go after life the same way she pursued Penn State's player.

The work ethic in which rugby translates into Georgia's life will be well represented as she will undoubtedly be among the first to take initiative in acquiring that promotion or raise, as opposed to waiting around for the boss to offer. The strength and confidence the pitch instills will find Georgia unwilling to wait to be called upon in the boardroom and share ideas, nor will she ever feel too weak to stand up to those who attempt to treat or make her feel less than.

That same coveted rugby self esteem that has enabled her to shrug off all these irrelevant negative body comments and online harassments is invaluable. The same self-assurance that allows her to answer reporters probing questions with positivity is coupled with her unwavering commitment to still be in love with a game that only honored half of its participants.

Georgia, you are a rugby athlete who deserved to be recognized for your skills and heart. HERRUGBYCOUNTS recognizes what your participation truly means and we are only sorry that it took a broken nose on youtube for us all to celebrate you.

TEAM HERRUGBYCOUNTS