Chiefs run workshop on relationships with women

The Chiefs have brought in an anti-domestic violence campaigner to educate their players.

Three years after the alleged abuse of two strippers left the team in disgrace, Jackie Clark is running a confronting workshop.

She doesn't mince words - and isn't afraid to confront a room of rugby players about relationships with women, violence, gender and inequality.

"I think it's incredibly important because these are young men and most of them will have never thought about any of this stuff," she says.

Chiefs CEO Michael Collins and professional development manager Lloyd Elisara like that Clark doesn't sugar-coat the messages they brought her in to deliver.

"If it was a nice workshop or presentation, I doubt they would have taken a lot from it," Elisara says.

Clark claims the powers-that-be often protect players from normal consequences.

Courts have granted name suppression and discharges without conviction so careers can continue.

Closer to home, New Zealand Rugby's investigation into the Chiefs stripper incidents didn't consult the women allegedly abused.

"I think it needs to be challenged because people who hold power won't let go of power willingly," Clark says.

"Often, as with many young men this age, they don't realise how much power they have."

She says the workshop left a lot of the players "very uncomfortable and challenged".

But the lesson doesn't end with Clark's workshop.

"You don't want to have a one off. We're looking at the long game and keeping it part of the key messages we want. Not just for this season, but throughout," Elisara says.

So off the field, as well as on, the Chiefs are making good calls this season.

"And that really encourages me. I find that very pleasing to hear," Clark says.

Newshub.