Waratahs keep their focus on the field
THE intrigue over Wallabies’ star Israel Folau’s code of conduct hearing may extend beyond the third day, which isn’t expected to deliver a result.
The hearing will resume today at a venue in the Sydney CBD, after the first two days were conducted at Rugby Australia headquarters.
The story featuring one of the nation’s highest profile sports stars and his controversial social media posts has gripped Australia. While it has also generated some comment overseas it hasn’t been a massive talking point in South Africa, where Folau’s NSW Waratahs side is in the middle of a two-game Super Rugby stand.
“The short answer is no. I think there’s a bit of a political thing going on at the moment over here so there’s a fair bit of that stuff around but not really (Izzy),” Folau’s Waratahs and Wallabies teammate Ned Hanigan said in a teleconference from South Africa.
Folau has missed the Waratahs’ last three game since being stood down by the NSW Rugby Union. The Tahs have lost their last two, but Hanigan was adamant the issue wasn’t proving a distraction for them.
“Being away, as a team on tour, you’re always galvanised together and you just focus on the job getting done,” Hanigan said.
REDS second-rower Harry Hockings has been suspended for three weeks after being found guilty of stomping on the head of a Sunwolves’ player. Hockings was red carded for the offence in the 76th minute of the Super Rugby game that saw six cards brandished.