"Keep playing, Alfie": world rugby's big hug to the boy who was criticized for being too "big"

From Oceania to Europe, from referees to coaches, from the International Federation to the most modest club, the world of rugby has come together in recent days to send its support to Alfie Pugsley, an 11-year-old Welsh boy who was criticized for his appearance physical when his father shared his photo on Facebook during a match.

"I had to take down a post because some asshole said my son is too 'big' to play under 12 and not healthy. If only he knew how hard he works to get in shape and how low his self esteem has been... No Don't worry Alfie, I'll always be your biggest fan," Mark Pugsley tweeted a few days ago.

The message touched the hearts of numerous active and retired players who recalled how rugby took them in as children when their weight kept them from other sports.

Even today, when professionalism has filled the squads with authentic super athletes, people continue to speak affectionately in Spanish of 'the fat ones' to refer to the forwards of each team who fight for each conquest of the ball.

Beyond the weight,

"Let's stop the harassment of children and adults in any aspect of life," wrote former Spanish heeler Diego Zarzosa, the only player in our country who has aligned himself with the prestigious Barbarians.

"Keep working, Alfie, if you enjoy it, that's what matters," said the Welshman Liam Williams, another of the internationals who, like the South African Mtawarira and the Frenchman Jallibert, joined this global embrace.

"Try to give it your all, but always enjoy yourself. I'll go to referee one of your games and I hope to see it. Keep smiling," asked Nigel Owens, one of the best referees in recent years.

"Alfie, rugby is an amazing sport if you have fun, that's all that matters. Enjoy every minute, keep working and know that you have a lot of people supporting you,"

he also commented on his World Rugby Twitter account, the International Federation of this sport. And the current of solidarity reached the national teams of France, Australia and even the All Blacks, the most charismatic group in current rugby: "You also have many fans here, Alfie, the rugby family supports you."

Also his club, the Welsh Oakdale, has reminded Alfie that it is "a pride" to have him.

In

, his father Mark, has highlighted that in this wave of affection those involved "are not just players, but people from different backgrounds who join the project and spread the message that rugby is for everyone and that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover".

And how is Alfie?

Encouraged, says his father, who has praised the support of his schoolmates and the team, in which he considers himself "much appreciated".

The kid has even been asked for an autograph.

"This has really restored my faith in the rugby family," concludes his father as Twitter continues to be filled with messages in favor of inclusion.

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