WARATAHS “HURT”,
ISRAEL Folau has “hurt” the NSW Waratahs with his social media antics, says teammate Bernard Foley.
Foley joined other Australian players, including Wallabies captain Michael Hooper, vice-captain Will Genia and halfback Nick Phipps, in denouncing Folau’s actions.
Whether Folau gets to keep his $4 million contract, it seems unlikely he’ll be welcomed back to the Waratahs or Wallabies, whose coach Michael Cheika has already said he can’t pick Folau any longer.
“He’s hurt the team which is not what we’re doing, and not why we play sport,” NSW fiveeighth Foley said.
“We’re a team and we encourage diversity.
“I also don’t think Izzy is a bad guy, so there’s a lot of conflict there, but I don’t agree with what he’s done so it’s a tough situation.
“I’ve just had a couple of texts [with Folau] … they were pretty brief.
“Rugby is an inclusive sport, we want a team sport that encourages diversity and to be inclusive of all backgrounds, all religions, all faiths. Something we haven’t done is told people how to believe.
“Rugby, we support everyone’s belief, but you just can’t do it in a manner where you’re trying to hurt people or [ marginalise] other people.”
The panellists to assess Folau’s code of conduct hearing, likely to be in the week starting April 29, were confirmed yesterday.
The independent chair is John West QC, Rugby Australia’s pick is Kate Eastman SC, and the Rugby Union Players’ Association representative is John Boultbee.
The panel will consider RA’s claim that Folau breached its code of conduct and an official warning letter last year over posting homophobic material. Folau will assert that he was merely quoting the Bible scripture in which he believes.
Foley said if Folau did return to the team in future, there would be some stern chats before he could play.