Folau switches codes again in joining Catalans Dragons
BENGALURU: Former Australia rugby union international Israel Folau has made a switch back to rugby league after joining Catalans Dragons on a oneyear deal, the French club announced yesterday.
Folau reached a settlement with Rugby Australia in December after his contract was torn up in May because he posted a meme on social media that said hell awaited ‘‘drunks, homosexuals, adulterers’’ and other groups.
Dragons chairman Bernard Guasch said they wanted to give Folau a ‘‘new opportunity’’ but said the club did not share the player’s religious beliefs.
‘‘We do not share or condone those views and we are totally committed to our club and our sport being open and welcoming to everyone,’’ he said.
‘‘We do not believe that those views should be publicly expressed, especially by a highprofile sports person. We have a signed agreement with the RFL.
‘‘Any transgression will trigger an immediate termination of Israel’s contract and a substantial fine for the club.’’
Folau, who had enjoyed a successful stint in the National Rugby League with Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos before switching codes, was told he would not be allowed a return to NRL.
But the Rugby Football League (RFL) has confirmed it will not prevent the player’s registration with the Dragons.
‘‘This is a difficult decision, as the RFL places a high value on the sport’s reputation in prioritising inclusion and diversity, and deplores the player’s previous comments,’’ the RFL said in a statement.
‘‘However, the moral responsibility for deciding whether to sign a player sits with individual clubs.’’
Super League also ‘‘deplores’’ the comments made by Folau in the past but executive chairman Robert Elstone said it did not have the authority to veto the registration of players.
Folau said he acknowledged the views expressed by Super League and the RFL.
‘‘I’m a proud Christian, my beliefs are personal, my intention is not to hurt anyone and I will not be making further public comment about them,’’ he added.
‘‘I look forward to my return to the great game of rugby league with the Catalans Dragons.’’
Meanwhile, the English Super League’s first openly gay player has slammed Folau’s signing. Wakefield Trinity prop Keegan Hirst expressed his shock and disappointment at the situation in a series of posts on Twitter.
‘‘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 @rfl expects from its players, staff and fans.
‘‘Just FYI, this has nothing to do with beliefs. It has everything to do with homophobia. There are millions of people practising their religion who are not homophobic. Prejudice is prejudice and using religion, political beliefs or anything else to justify it is not OK.
‘‘Just to clarify; using your religion to justify your prejudice, whatever it is, is not an expression of beliefs. It’s prejudice.
‘‘I imagine a lot of Christians would resent the idea of being lumped in with him, as a bigot because of their religious beliefs.’’