The Men’s Hockey and Rugby clubs at Sussex University have been removed as university-facilitated teams for the upcoming 2025/26 season. This decision followed multiple reports alleging inappropriate conduct and a culture of dangerous and humiliating initiations.
In 2024, The Badger released an article detailing the hazing rituals experienced by members of the Hockey and Rugby teams on their Croatian tour. Sources described alleged rituals in which members were reportedly treated like dogs, forced to walk on their hands and knees while wearing a collar and leash, forced to stay in ice water despite expressing distress, and subjected to what they described as ‘naked humiliation rituals’.
Another source divulged that the teams had given themselves a set of rules for the trip, including a ‘no water on tour’ instruction, instead encouraged to only drink alcohol. This, combined with the heat, resulted in team members becoming unwell, with one first-year student needing first aid treatment. One source alleged that the student was not given water, even when he appeared to need medical attention.
It seems that the teams’ dangerous behaviours were not exclusive to their Croatia trip. Whilst researching for this article, The Badger was approached by many people who had heard stories and rumours from friends regarding the sports teams’ behaviour. However, despite being given the option to speak anonymously, almost everyone refused to give a quote on the record, only reinforcing how intense the culture of fear that has been cultivated on campus is. An ex-employee of a Brighton pub alleged that the Rugby society was temporarily banned from hosting socials there after reported instances of ‘stripping and nudity’ in the conference rooms, which they claim were caught on camera.
The Student Union issued an official statement in which they highlighted their desire to promote safe environments and uphold community values. However, the longevity of these complaints leads to questions about why a harder line was not drawn sooner. A line from the statement reads, ‘We are working on challenging these behaviours, having already implemented training on initiations, sexual harassment, and positive club culture for both coaches and committees.’
An ex-member of the Rugby team reveals that he left after instances of uncomfortable behaviour. He reflects upon his time on the team, saying, “I saw both the good and the bad sides of the culture. There were strong friendships and moments of real pride, but also a toxic undercurrent that too many people ignored. The welfare officers didn’t challenge it – in fact, they often contributed to it – which made it hard for anyone to speak up. Looking back, it was disappointing to see how the culture was allowed to reach that point, because with the right support and accountability, it could have been a really positive environment.”
Some former members alleged that welfare advisors’ close friendships with certain team members may have left younger team members feeling unsupported and lacking a safety net, leading to questions about whether the current training for society’s welfare committee members is adequate.
The SU goes on to say that ‘Both teams have the right to appeal this decision. A review is also scheduled at the end of the academic year, which will consider whether sufficient progress has been made to reinstate either club for future seasons.’ According to sources close to the teams, the Hockey club’s appeal was unsuccessful.
Due to ongoing investigations, the Rugby team has elected not to give a statement.
