League chiefs ‘disappointed’ after Catalans sign controversial Folau

RUGBY LEAGUE has reacted with a mixture of anger and dismay to Catalans Dragons’ decision to revive the career of former union Test winger Israel Folau.

Both the Rugby Football League (RFL) and Super League said they “deplore” the homophobic comments which led to Folau’s sacking by Australia Rugby last year, but insist they have no power to prevent the 30-year-old record try scorer taking up a one-year contract in France.

News of Folau’s return to the code where he began his career was revealed yesterday, just two days before the opening fixture of the new Super League season. Catalans begin their campaign at home to Huddersfield Giants on Saturday evening and play their first away game at Wakefield Trinity eight days later.

Folau has not played since last April when he claimed “hell awaits” gay people. Halifax’s former Batley Bulldogs and Wakefield Trinity forward Keegan Hirst, who came out as gay five years ago, described himself as “shocked and disappointed” by Folau’s return to league. In a post on social media, he added: “Our great game is tasked with fighting against homophobia and standing up for the values it puts such high stock in. It shows none of the bravery, camaraderie or integrity [the RFL] expects from its players, staff and fans.”

Within moments of Folau’s signing being confirmed,

Wigan Warriors announced that their home game against Catalans in March will be ‘Pride Day’ in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone said the organisation has no authority to veto the registration of players, but insisted: “Super League deplores the homophobic comments Israel Folau has made in the past, which squarely contradict our sport’s core values.

“I have sought the opinion of informed voices connected to our game and the majority share my disappointment that one of our clubs has chosen to sign him.

“There is a strong feeling that the decision to sign him lets down many people connected to our sport.”

In its own statement, the RFL said: “However distasteful his previous comments, we don’t believe that, under our current regulatory framework, these can prevent his participation in the sport.”

Dragons chairman Bernard Guasch said his club “do not share or condone” Folau’s views and pledged the player will be sacked if he steps out of line.