Premiership leaders Exeter Chiefs break silence on Native American branding
Rugby NewsWednesday, 08 July 2020 at 10:12
In another crazy development, the Exeter Chiefs have announced something that has not happened in the past.
A campaign, which accuses the club of ‘cultural appropriation’ for their use of Native American logos and mascots, has been getting a lot of press.
Therefore, the clubs directors will no discuss the issue for the first time at the end of this month after 1,900 people signed a petition asking the club to drop the imagery.
A source in the Chiefs hierarchy told RUCK: "It's important that we take all supporters concerns very seriously, and we think it's appropriate that we review our official branding,"
Campaigner Ash Green spoke to The Sun earlier this week about the campaign.
"Exeter Chiefs is a fantastic club that has seen a huge amount of success on the pitch and done a lot of good off it for decades," said Green.
"It’s one of Exeter’s most well known brands and has put the city firmly on the sporting map. The club MUST address its use of racist imagery and branding.
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"There is no place in a predominantly white British environment for appropriation of Indigenous Peoples‘ imagery that has no relation whatsoever to the history of the club, or the city.
"The ‘Chiefs’ brand dates back to 1999, a decision that was not taken with racism in mind, but one that is now sat increasingly awkwardly at the pinnacle of English rugby.
"The stylised Chief on the club’s crest, the ‘Big Chief’ mascot, the headdresses and tomahawks adorning the supporters, and the ‘Tomahawk Chop’ chant are all examples of cultural appropriation of the Indigenous Peoples who were all but wiped out by white European settlers and who still suffer extreme examples of racial prejudice today, across the world."
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LIST | 5 awesome pubs owned by rugby players
1. Gavin Henson
The former Wales star settled into his new life as the pub landlord of The Fox in St Brides Major, in Wales earlier this year. He explained the change had fallen into place well as his vision of running a pub had coincided with the end of him playing rugby.
2. Jack Nowell
The England and Exeter Chiefs winger is the co-owner of The Swordfish Inn back in his hometown of Cornwall. Sitting on the harbourfront, the pub has been a favourite of local fishermen, artists and visitors alike for as long as anyone cares to remember and is well-known for its rugged charm and atmosphere.
3. Gordon D'Arcy
The exchequer on Exchequer Street counts as one of its owners the Ireland legend. The bar is, similarly to Lemon and Duke, on the upmarket end of the spectrum when it comes to the food and drink they serve.
4. Several Irish legends
The Bridge pub in Ballsbridge is part owned by several current and previous Irish rugby internationals, including Jamie Heaslip, Sean O’Brien, Dave and Rob Kearney. While you might not catch them behind the bar too much, the four are frequent visitors to their pub that they co-own with publican Noel Anderson.
5. Gareth Steenson
The Stand-Off, which is owned by the Exeter legend, will opened its doors at Portland House, Longbrook Street, after a major refurb in 2018. Steeno teamed up with Carl Rimmer, one of his former Exeter Chiefs playing colleagues, and recruited former Woodbury Park manager Joe Hammond to oversee the project.
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