We, the undersigned, support the reinstatement of Iain Gardiner (“Bubba”) to his role as Under 13 Hamilton Coach while the current investigation proceeds.
During a recent Under 13s Rugby Union trial game in the Hunter Valley, Iain was listed as, and fulfilling the role of, trainer for the match.
Towards the end of the game, Iain intervened out of concern for player welfare during what many present witnessed as an ongoing and escalating situation involving repeated and unprovoked attacks, with multiple players targeting certain players throughout the match. We are grateful for his swift actions in attempting to restore safety and protect the welfare of the children involved.
As a result of this incident, Iain has been stood down pending investigation by the relevant governing body. While we fully acknowledge and respect the importance of due process, we believe it is equally important to recognise Iain’s longstanding character, service, and contribution to junior rugby and the wider community. We sign this petition to request Iain be reinstated as his role of Junior Coach, while the investigation by the relevant governing body continues.
Bubba is far more than a coach, he is a highly respected and valued member of Hamilton Junior Rugby Club. Over many years, he has demonstrated unwavering dedication to young players, sportsmanship, inclusivity, and the development of good character both on and off the field. His leadership, mentorship, and commitment to rugby values have earned the trust and admiration of players, families, volunteers, and fellow coaches alike.
Beyond the field, Bubba has consistently given his time to support youth sport, strengthen community connections, and foster a positive environment for children to grow and participate safely in rugby.
We stand by Bubba as a man of integrity, strong moral character, and positive influence within our rugby community. We respectfully request that the investigation be conducted fairly and transparently, with full consideration given to the context of the incident, his duty of care toward player safety, and his many years of dedicated service.
With sincere respect and support,
The Undersigned
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
May 9, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
May 8, 2026
68 Comments
I have known Iain for over 30 years, and have played rugby alongside him for many years. He is a fantastic guy and the kind of bloke you want to teach kids not only how to play the game but how to play in the right spirit of the game. I would 100% support his reinstatement to the coaching role. Guys like Iain is what Rugby needs more of.
We have much respect for Bubba and know that he always has the best interests of his players in all that he does! Our boys are now missing out on him as their club coach which is completely unfair…shouldn’t it be innocent until proven guilty!! We stand with you Bubba
I would hope any reasonable person would step in to de escalate a situation like this. He responded calmly appropriately and in line with reasonable expectations.
I fully support Bubba’s reinstatement while the investigation proceeds. He has always put player welfare first and has been a respected, positive influence within junior rugby for many years. His actions came from concern for the safety of the children involved, and he deserves fair consideration and continued support from the community.
The process should not assume guilt and should not preclude him from a role that he was not fulfilling on the day - Hamilton Hwaks junior coach.
I have known Iain for many years and have known him as a man of the highest integrity. He is a respectful person and a wonderful mentor to all juniors at Hamilton Rugby Club
Iains integrity and actions should not be in question.
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We, the undersigned, support the reinstatement of Iain Gardiner (“Bubba”) to his role as Under 13 Hamilton Coach while the current investigation proceeds.
During a recent Under 13s Rugby Union trial game in the Hunter Valley, Iain was listed as, and fulfilling the role of, trainer for the match.
Towards the end of the game, Iain intervened out of concern for player welfare during what many present witnessed as an ongoing and escalating situation involving repeated and unprovoked attacks, with multiple players targeting certain players throughout the match. We are grateful for his swift actions in attempting to restore safety and protect the welfare of the children involved.
As a result of this incident, Iain has been stood down pending investigation by the relevant governing body. While we fully acknowledge and respect the importance of due process, we believe it is equally important to recognise Iain’s longstanding character, service, and contribution to junior rugby and the wider community. We sign this petition to request Iain be reinstated as his role of Junior Coach, while the investigation by the relevant governing body continues.
Bubba is far more than a coach, he is a highly respected and valued member of Hamilton Junior Rugby Club. Over many years, he has demonstrated unwavering dedication to young players, sportsmanship, inclusivity, and the development of good character both on and off the field. His leadership, mentorship, and commitment to rugby values have earned the trust and admiration of players, families, volunteers, and fellow coaches alike.
Beyond the field, Bubba has consistently given his time to support youth sport, strengthen community connections, and foster a positive environment for children to grow and participate safely in rugby.
We stand by Bubba as a man of integrity, strong moral character, and positive influence within our rugby community. We respectfully request that the investigation be conducted fairly and transparently, with full consideration given to the context of the incident, his duty of care toward player safety, and his many years of dedicated service.
With sincere respect and support,
The Undersigned
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
May 9, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
May 8, 2026
68 Comments
Iain is a well respected coach and ambassador not only for Hamilton Hawks but also Rugby in Newcastle Hunter region. His passion and care for all players bench mark what we should all aspire to achieve every Saturday. I am not affiliated with Hamilton but having a child in the under 13 competition I know not having Iain involved is a loss to all.
I have known Iain for over 30 years, and have played rugby alongside him for many years. He is a fantastic guy and the kind of bloke you want to teach kids not only how to play the game but how to play in the right spirit of the game. I would 100% support his reinstatement to the coaching role. Guys like Iain is what Rugby needs more of.
We have much respect for Bubba and know that he always has the best interests of his players in all that he does! Our boys are now missing out on him as their club coach which is completely unfair…shouldn’t it be innocent until proven guilty!! We stand with you Bubba
I would hope any reasonable person would step in to de escalate a situation like this. He responded calmly appropriately and in line with reasonable expectations.
I fully support Bubba’s reinstatement while the investigation proceeds. He has always put player welfare first and has been a respected, positive influence within junior rugby for many years. His actions came from concern for the safety of the children involved, and he deserves fair consideration and continued support from the community.
The process should not assume guilt and should not preclude him from a role that he was not fulfilling on the day - Hamilton Hwaks junior coach.
I have known Iain for many years and have known him as a man of the highest integrity. He is a respectful person and a wonderful mentor to all juniors at Hamilton Rugby Club
Iains integrity and actions should not be in question.
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Iain is a well respected coach and ambassador not only for Hamilton Hawks but also Rugby in Newcastle Hunter region. His passion and care for all players bench mark what we should all aspire to achieve every Saturday. I am not affiliated with Hamilton but having a child in the under 13 competition I know not having Iain involved is a loss to all.