Aaron Kleier says he’s not against the vaccination but believes it’s a matter of choice

Aaron Kleier, who won a fourth straight national title last month, cannot compete at the Great Western because he hasn’t had the Covid jab. Here’s what he had to say about it.

Four-time national champion Aaron Kleier will be a notable omission from the PBR Rockhampton Invitational at the Great Western Hotel on Friday night.

The Clermont cowboy, who made history by winning a fourth straight PBR Australia title in November, cannot compete because he is not vaccinated against Covid.

Under Queensland Government regulations, as of December 17 only fully vaccinated people can enter hospitality venues such as hotels.

Kleier will instead head to the Banana New Year’s Eve Bullarama, being held at the Banana Sports and Recreation Grounds.

That event is being promoted as open to “all vaxxed and unvaxxed riders” and while those attending are urged to stay Covid safe, “being an outside community event no Covid vax (is) required for entry”.

Kleier said he was disappointed to be missing the Rockhampton event, points from which go towards the 2022 national championship as well as world standings.

Aaron Kleier on his way to a fourth consecutive PBR Australia Championship in Townsville last month. Picture: Creative Concepts PR

He appreciates his chances of claiming an unprecedented fifth title could be in jeopardy, given he could be ruled out of future events as well, but believes no one should be forced into having the vaccination.

“I haven’t had it and I don’t want to have it right now,” he said.

“I don’t feel safe having it because I don’t think it has proven itself yet... but down the track I might be happy to have it.

“I’m not against it, I just think it should be a matter of choice.

“For the short term, I’ve got plenty of practice bulls out here because dad has bucking bulls.

“I’m just trying to stay healthy and fit... and just hoping it becomes a case of not having to have it.”

PBR Australia general manager Glen Young said his organisation had no mandate for competitors to be vaccinated.

“It’s an individual’s decision whether or not they get vaccinated but at the end of the day we have to work in line with each of the state’s mandates,” he said.

“People have to be double vaccinated to get into the venue so Rockhampton is going to be one of the first PBR events where that’s the case.

“A number of riders are coming up from New South Wales and Victoria which we haven’t seen throughout this year.

“For us, it’s about getting the event done while abiding by all the laws. It’s challenging but this will give us a better understanding of it all.”

Originally published as Aaron Kleier says he’s not against the vaccination but believes it’s a matter of choice