Rugby Players Ireland urge public to 'be kind' as trend of online abuse continues

'By showcasing some of the content that has been directed at players, this series of animated videos is an important step in highlighting online trolling and the impact of such behaviours'

Ireland players look dejected after conceding a third try during the Six Nations clash with England last year. In recent times, players are becoming more and more targeted by online trolls on social media sending abusive messages. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

A new animated series of video encouraging people to “be kind online” has been released by Rugby Players Ireland and Z Zurich Foundation to combat worrying toxic abuse towards players on social media.

The first of three videos to be rolled out over the final stages of the current Guinness Six Nations was released on Thursday as the latest stage of RPI’s Tackle Your Feelings campaign, which began in 2016.