Rugby: child teased because of his weight - professionals and officials from all over the world show solidarity

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World champion Tendai Mtawarira reported on his own bullying experiences

Photo: Steve Bardens / Getty Images for Barbarians

It started with an entry on Facebook: Mark Pugsley posted a photo of his son Alfie there.

Alfie plays for Oakdale Rugby Football Club, Wales, on a rugby team for under-12s.

A user made fun of his son's weight and appearance, Pugsley said.

So he deleted the photo there and wrote a post on Twitter: "If only people knew how hard he works to get fitter and how low his confidence is.

Don't worry Alfie, I'll always be your number one fan."

Solidarity from numerous sports greats

This post triggered a wave of solidarity.

South African world champion Tendai Mtawarira said he faced similar problems.

"People bullied me because of my height and questioned whether I was the right age for my age group," he replied on Twitter.

“Keep your head up and never let the haters get to you.

The game of rugby is for everyone,” says Mtawarira.

Nigel Owens, the best-known referee from Alfie's Welsh homeland, also spoke.

He should "continue to enjoy rugby".

Owens promised "one day to referee one of your games."

English legend Brian Moore wrote to Alfie that those who trolled him were "idiots trying to make themselves feel better by putting other people down".

Former English footballer Robbie Fowler also encouraged the boy.

Invitation to the final in Twickenham

The English rugby league also got in touch with the young player's father and invited Alfie to attend the Gallagher Premiership rugby final in Twickenham in June - the highlight of the season, which is usually played in front of tens of thousands of spectators.

Perhaps not the only date on his calendar: Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit also invited him to a home game for his current team in Gloucester, England.

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