An Indigenous group has labelled as "disgusting" the Waratahs' claim that the Festival of Rugby's opening day in Narrabri was altered "due to threats of vandalism" from protesters.
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In a statement, Gamilaraay Next Generation said that it had called for a "day of action" to be held on Friday in protest over Santos's Narrabri Gas Project and the Santos Festival of Rugby.
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It said that it had "actively and willingly" worked with Narrabri police "to ensure the event is safe and successful for attendees, organisers and the wider community".
"Gamilaraay Next Generation publicly express our disgust regarding the false accusations of vandalism and violence made by Santos Festival of Rugby on their Social Media platforms," the group said.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, the Waratahs said that "due to threats of vandalism" from protesters, theirs and the Reds' training sessions at Narrabri's Dangar Park on Thursday were closed to the public.
"We share your disappointment and frustration but reassure you that all other ticketed events will remain unchanged at this time," the Waratahs said.
The comments were posted on the Festival of Rugby's Facebook page.
"There's been no protesters at the moment, but they had threatened to come along, at which point they just thought it would be safer to close training," a Waratahs spokesperson later told ESPN.
The three-day inaugural Festival of Rugby concludes on Saturday, with the highlights a trial match between the Waratahs and the Reds on Friday night and a sevens tournament that includes the Australian men's side, the Waratahs and the Reds.
