Former Wakefield Trinity and Hull KR forward Mitch Allgood has lost his job after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
The 32-year-old posted on social media outlining his trouble as well as an impassioned speech about “how to stand strong in your truth.”
Allgood, who registered 30 appearances for Hull KR in 2015 and 2016 and then another eight for Wakefield Trinity, retired from rugby league in 2020 after a brief spell with the London Broncos.
The once-towering forward is now back in New South Wales, Australia but documented his recent harrowing experience on Instagram.
Allgood wrote: “As of yesterday I have been officially stood down from work without pay for not being vaccinated.
“This is an extremely challenging time for so many. The stress and pressure families are facing is being compounded by the judgement, ridicule and bullying they endure for their personal medical choices.
“This is an experimental vaccine which is still undergoing medical trial until 2023 and like many others, I have valid concerns with the safety of undergoing this medical procedure.
“As written in the Australian Government Immunisation Handbook, vaccines must be given voluntarily in the absence of undue pressure, coercion or manipulation. Is the ultimatum to get the shot or be stood down not pressure? Is it not coercion when you are told you won’t be paid if you refuse an injection? Is rushing people into a procedure without giving them time to make an informed decision not manipulation?
“For now, I have had the means of financially providing for my family unfairly taken away from me. But, what I will be providing for my children is the example of how to stand strong in your truth, how to fight for your freedoms and not allow anyone to bully, coerce or manipulate you into going against your beliefs.
“I know there are a lot of people feeling backed into a corner, under immense pressure to receive this injection against their will and unsure of what to do.
“I asked myself this..
“What advice would I give my children if they were in my situation? Facing the ultimatum to either be injected or lose your job.
“I would tell them that nothing is more important than your health and safety.
“I would tell them that any career that forces you to undergo an experimental procedure is not the right one to be in.
“I would tell them to trust that everything will be okay and remind them who they are, the power they have & that they can create the solution.
“Sending love to everyone who is being effected by these mandates. Have faith in knowing that the future we are creating will serve you far greater than what we are leaving behind ❤️”
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It is just yet another striking example of former and current professional rugby league players refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccination.
