‘Don’t sign Folau... for the good of the game’
CLUBS TOLD TO SWERVE GAY-HATING WALLABY
English clubs have been urged not to sign israel Folau after the Wallaby had his contract ripped up for homophobic comments.
sale sharks recently denied links with Folau and sam stanley — England’s only openly-gay rugby player who has recently been playing for harlequins reserves — has urged clubs to steer clear.
‘For the good of the game, i hope no English clubs — or any clubs — offer him a contract,’ stanley told Sportsmail.
‘he’s a world-class full-back with some of his best years ahead of him but, even if he’s available on the cheap, it would send out all the wrong messages. i’d be really angry.
‘Folau is a hell of a player so he’s idolised by a lot of young kids who dream of playing for Australia, England or new Zealand.
‘But how would a young gay player feel about going for a trial at a club where the best player wouldn’t accept him for something as trivial as their sexuality? They wouldn’t feel welcome. What he said is dangerous.’
Folau, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, claimed on social media that gay people will end up in hell.
The 30-year- old signed a four-year deal with Rugby Australia (RA) last year — although his contract contained clauses about his social media use following previous homophobic slurs.
But he shared a message that read: ‘ Warning: Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators, hell awaits you — repent! Only Jesus saves.’ he added: ‘Those that are living in sin will end up in hell unless you repent.
‘Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him.’
RA acted swiftly yesterday to cut all ties, even though his absence will be a hammer blow to the Wallabies’ World Cup chances. The multitalented player could seek a switch to rugby league or Aussie Rules, while there could also be interest from union clubs across Europe. Folau’s comments were criticised on social media by England stars such as Joe Marler and James haskell, who said: ‘This is the biggest load of s*** i have ever read. sport has no place for this crap. Keep it to hate groups @ izzyFolau, you aren’t spreading the lord’s word. You are spreading hate. You are an unreal player, but a f*****g misinformed bigot.’
Meanwhile, Wasps yesterday confirmed that England scrum-half Dan Robson will be out for three months.
Robson is undergoing specialist treatment, leaving Eddie Jones with a possible scrum- half shortage after fellow no 9 Ben Youngs underwent surgery on his shoulder.