Wallabies legend Sam Scott-Young apologises after homophobic remarks at official rugby function

Former Wallaby rugby player Sam Scott-Young has issued an apology for making homophobic comments while speaking at a Queensland rugby event.

The incident occurred during a long lunch event held in Brisbane to commemorate 140 years of the state’s rugby history, organised by the Queensland Rugby Union [QRU].

Scott-Young, who represented the Wallabies in seven Tests between 1990 and 1992, was invited to share his experiences as a panelist during the event. 

Interviewed by his former Wallabies teammate Greg Martin, Scott-Young shocked the approximately 700 guests, including Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan and several Queensland Reds players, with his inappropriate language.

Multiple sources present at the function reported that Scott-Young used a derogatory slur, specifically the word ‘f—–t,’ on multiple occasions while recounting stories from his playing days. 

He also used other profane language during his time on stage. The audience was taken aback by the homophobic remarks, prompting Martin to intervene and caution Scott-Young about his choice of words.

Scott-Young is a former Queensland Reds forward and he has made a formal apology to the QRU after the incident

According to witnesses, Scott-Young responded by suggesting he might as well apologise to individuals who identify as ‘they’ or ‘them.’ 

Shortly after this comment, he left the stage.

It is understood there were gay men in the audience. 

Following the event, a number of audience members lodged formal complaints with the Queensland Rugby Union, expressing their outrage over Scott-Young’s remarks. 

QRU officials were similarly incensed by the incident.

Former Wallaroo player Selena Worsley-Tranter, who was scheduled to speak next, also condemned Scott-Young’s homophobic remarks during her interview at the event. 

David Hanham, the CEO of the Queensland Rugby Union, confirmed that he received a verbal apology from Sam Scott-Young shortly after the incident. 

‘The remarks made by Sam Scott-Young at the QRU long lunch were unacceptable and inappropriate,’ Hanham said. ‘His comments do not reflect our values as an organisation. 

‘We immediately expressed this to Sam and he has apologised for his actions.’ 

‘It was very disappointing and on behalf of the QRU we apologise for his remarks which were totally unacceptable and which we don’t condone nor support.’

Additionally, Scott-Young issued a written apology and expressed his intention to personally apologise to the offended audience members.