Cheika fumes as Folau faces breach notice
Coach Michael Cheika says he would not have been able to select fullback Israel Folau for the Wallabies after his latest “disrespectful” social media posts attacking gay people.
In another development, Folau has 48 hours to respond or face the sack after being served with a breach notice by Rugby Australia over his controversial social media posts.
Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said Folau had been charged with a “high level” code of conduct breach and its integrity unit had recommended his contract be terminated.
He can either accept that finding or ask for a code of conduct hearing.
Cheika spoke to reporters yesterday for the first time since Folau, a devout Christian, posted on Instagram that gay people would go to hell unless they repented.
Cheika said he had already formed the view Folau couldn’t be chosen for the Wallabies after his latest posting. In 2017, Folau was warned by Rugby Australia after his use of social media to express opposition to gay marriage.
Chieka, flanked by Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson and captain Michael Hooper, said Folau’s latest comments crossed a line.
“We’ve had the discussion about it after the last time about his right to believe and our support in that,” he said. “But getting out in that disrespectful manner publicly is not what our team’s about.
“We’ve had the discussion about it and that line’s then been crossed. When you play in the gold [Wallabies] jersey, we’re representing everyone in Australia. I felt I needed to talk to him [Folau] about why, but I haven’t had that chance as yet.”
Asked if he would find it difficult to play next to Folau, Hooper, who looked deeply uncomfortable, reluctantly said he would.
“Like was said before, in this current state and being here and talking about this as a rugby player, it makes it hard, it makes it difficult,” he said.
“It’s hard being here. We’re rugby players for sure, we are trying to create the best team environment we possibly can and at national level.”
Gibson expressed disappointment that the issue of Folau’s religious views had arisen again.
“I’m disappointed in the fact that we are here again, second year running, that we are fronting up around an issue that on a large extent we had settled and the impact that it has on the team,” he said. Meanwhile, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said in Wellington Folau had let himself down with his latest social media statement.
“I think we all know what he has said isn’t right,” Hansen said. “There’s no point me adding my name to the end of that list and it’s been dealt with pretty strongly by his employers. “He’s got the right to have an opinion, but I think he’s probably let himself down in the way he’s gone about that. Even [yesterday] morning, I read he firmly believes it, so he’s just missing one piece of the jigsaw puzzle I think.”
Hansen was referring to an interview Folau gave to the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday in which he said it would be “God’s will” if he didn’t play rugby again. The Sydney Morning Herald interviewed Folau after he had attended a church service in western Sydney on Sunday at which speakers praised his comments and said he was being persecuted for his faith.
“First and foremost, I live for God now,” Folau said. “Whatever He wants me to do, I believe His plans for me are better than whatever I can think.
“If that’s not to continue on playing, so be it.
“In saying that, obviously I love playing footy, and if it goes down that path, I’ll definitely miss it. But my faith in Jesus Christ is what comes first.”
Folau, 30, said he had no intention of retracting or apologising for his comments about gay people which he insisted were based on his Christian beliefs.
“I’ll stand on what the Bible says,” he said. “I share it with love. I can see the other side of the coin where people’s reactions are the total opposite to how I’m sharing it.”
Folau indicated he was unlikely to legally challenge his termination, though some legal experts believe he would have a strong case if he asserted his right to freely express his beliefs.