Former Wallabies critical of Folau
Three former Wallabies have spoken out against Israel Folau’s controversial stand on homosexuality.
Drew Mitchell, Clyde Rathbone and Nic White have disagreed with Folau’s comment on Instagram that gay people would be condemned to ‘‘Hell’’ if they failed to repent.
They have taken the lead from All Blacks Brad Weber and TJ Perenara, who voiced their opposition to Folau’s comments earlier this week.
White, a former Australian halfback, agreed with his fellow halfbacks, saying they had ‘‘hit the nail on the head’’ in a tweet. ‘‘Hats off to you both for having the balls to speak up. For what it’s worth I completely agree and support you boys.’’
White played 22 times for the Wallabies from 2013-15.
Mitchell, who played six of his 71 tests alongside Folau, said the current backline star had failed his social responsibility as a Wallabies role model.
Speaking on Fox Sports programme Kick and Chase, Mitchell said Folau had failed to recognise the significance and the responsibility which comes with being a high profile athlete.
‘‘We have a responsibility as a role model and you don’t get to choose who you’re a role model for,’’ he said.
‘‘Whether it’s to people who have the same belief systems or faith that you share [or different], we have the capacity to be role models for anyone,’’ Mitchell told Kick and Chase.
‘‘In my opinion, he’s failed in this instance in his responsibility as a role model because I don’t think he’s been consciously aware of the impact that he could have had on everyone.
‘‘There could be people at home, like we’ve said before, that are struggling with finding themselves and expressing themselves and being comfortable in that and all of a sudden the cool rugby guy that they watch on TV saying these type of things would, I suggest, set them back.’’
In his column in The Roar, Rathbone said: ‘‘Israel Folau is confused. Not evil nor malicious. Confused. And by no small margin.’’
Rathbone took issue with Folau’s defence of his position in The Players Voice, saying: ‘‘While Folau’s column is an impressive testament to the shallowness of his thinking, it also serves to remind us that good intentions are often no match for bad ideas.’’
Rathbone, who played 26 tests for the Wallabies from 2004-06, suggested the door was open for Folau to have a comeback story.
‘‘I know Israel isn’t about to take advice from a heathen like me, but there are ways for him to adopt more nuanced interpretations of his faith. Interpretations that square his religiosity with the modernity in which he now finds himself.’’
Rugby Australia has decided not to sanction Folau for his comments, but chief executive Raelene Castle has since sent out a memo to Australian Super Rugby players, warning them of their obligation to use social media in a respectful way.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew has said NZR has a fully inclusive policy for all its players.
Folau’s comments were described as ‘‘very disappointing’’ by Qantas airlines, a major sponsor of Rugby Australia, while referee Nigel Owens, who came out as gay in 2007, said such remarks could contribute to young people taking their lives.