Rugby: Speech and behaviour put under the spotlight

SYDNEY - Players at the World Cup will have to keep their political views to themselves or risk huge fines amid a raft of regulations governing their behaviour.

The 2003 World Cup tournament manual, which has been obtained by the Sydney Morning Herald, lists fines of between A$12,000 ($13,600) and A$250,000 ($285,000) if teams break tournament rules.

Under the financial sanctions, teams are liable to be fined for "bringing the tournament into disrepute [including political statements]."

The measure is designed to prevent teams using the tournament as a platform to make political stands on sensitive issues.

A World Cup disputes committee will also consider fines if teams or players damage equipment or facilities, wear clothing which has sponsor branding, do not appear at official events, or change confirmed match listings without a valid reason.

The manual goes into great detail explaining that no sponsors' logos will be allowed on team clothing at match venues, training grounds, team hotels, official tournament functions and even that worn on any "coach, bus, aircraft or any other vehicle which transports the team to or from any match venue or training ground."

At training grounds, equipment used must be "unbranded." This includes 20 agility poles, 15 tackle suits, 15 hit shields, 10 tackle bags, 50 marker cones, a scrum machine, two ice baths and a "hand pump" which will be provided to each team.

All 20 teams must name a preliminary squad of up to 50 by July 15, and a final squad comprising 30 players and 12 officials by September 10.

Selected players must also provide documented proof, including birth certificates and passports, to prove they are eligible for the country they compete for.

The manual also says non-resident players are liable "to Australian tax on income derived as a result of competing in Australia."

Each player has to obtain an Australian tax file number. Teams are advised to appoint a tax specialist while in the country.

- NZPA