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Topless models raise funds for NZ rugby club
A popular rugby club in New Zealand has been facing criticism for using topless models at a fundraising event.
A popular rugby club in New Zealand has been facing criticism for using topless models at a fundraising event.
The stunt led to calls for the New Zealand Rugby Union to confront sexist attitudes within the game. The Auckland University Rugby Football Club hired semi-naked women to parade around at its annual pretest luncheon
The last week event was also attended by former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.
Former All Black captain Murray Mexted, who delivered the keynote address, described the women who stripped to raise money as “PR girls for rugby”, The New Zealand Herald reported.
Mexted said the women were topless for most of the event, but their breasts were body-painted in the colours of the club. “It was tastefully done,” he added. Mexted defended using topless women, saying, “It’s light-hearted entertainment, there’s no downside”.
“It was a magnificent affair and 826 people attended. It was put on by a rugby club for rugby people, raising money for rugby,” he added. However, Auckland Sexual Abuse Helpline clinical manager Kathryn McPhillips said the event raised concerns.
