Kyle Skipworth, who plays for Grimsby RUFC, has received a 10-week suspension from rugby following a social media post deemed homophobic by the Rugby Football Union.
The amateur player was found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union and the sport after publishing an Instagram story on 10 January.
His post featured an image of him tackling an opponent from North Hykeham RUFC, accompanied by a caption stating: "If you wear a pink top with tight [sic] and gold boots to play rugby your [sic] gay".
An independent panel upheld the charge brought by the RFU, with members describing the content as "frankly depressing and pathetic".
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The panel stated it was "frankly depressing and pathetic that in 2026, a grown adult would publish a post on the internet featuring such an ignorant and demeaning view of the world."
In its written submissions, the RFU argued that the Instagram story suggested anyone wearing a pink rugby shirt, tights or leggings, and gold boots must be homosexual.
The governing body contended that the post drew upon harmful stereotypes portraying gay men as wearing brightly coloured clothing and footwear, as well as garments traditionally associated with women.
Kyle Skipworth (pictured) is an amateur rugby player
|Furthermore, the RFU identified an underlying suggestion within the post that individuals dressed in such attire on a rugby pitch lack the toughness required for the sport.
The panel emphasised rugby's commitment to welcoming participants regardless of their background, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender.
Those who spread material relying on prejudice and lazy stereotypes, the panel warned, must recognise they are violating the sport's core values and will face punishments designed to deter such behaviour.
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During the RFU hearing, Skipworth expressed remorse for his post and the offence it caused, stating his belief that "inclusion is an important part of rugby" while highlighting his previously unblemished disciplinary record.
In an earlier defence submitted to his club's internal hearing, Skipworth wrote: "Apologies for this.
"This was simply a joke as you are aware I am very close to the lgbt community and would never have intentionally mean [sic] to cause any negative feedback for the club."
He added that he removed the post to prevent followers unfamiliar with him from forming a negative impression.
Grimsby RUFC conducted its own internal investigation but opted against imposing any sanction, acknowledging the pressures in Skipworth's personal life, including the serious illness of one of his children.
The club's internal hearing also concluded that the post had been reported to the RFU as a "vindictive act", with the chairman identifying a "known trouble maker" as responsible for alerting the governing body.
However, the panel firmly rejected this reasoning, stating: "The conclusion by the club that there was a person acting vindictively to cause trouble is entirely irrelevant and unhelpful.
"The issue is the contents of the post; not the mechanism by which it was brought to the attention of the RFU."
The panel initially determined that a 20-week suspension was appropriate but granted a 50 per cent reduction owing to Skipworth's prompt acceptance of the charge, evident remorse, positive character references, clean record and family circumstances.
His ban may be further reduced to eight weeks should he complete an LGBTQ+ inclusion course, deliver a presentation to teammates about his learnings, and submit evidence of both to the RFU.