‘Don’t sign Folau... for the good of the game’
CLUBS TOLD TO SWERVE GAY-HATING WALLABY
EUROPEAN clubs have been urged not to sign Israel Folau after the Wallaby had his contract ripped up for homophobic comments.
The 30-year-old full-back, 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.
Folau signed a four-year deal with Rugby Australia last year – although his contract contained clauses about his social media use following some previous homophobic slurs.
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.’
Rugby Australia and New South Wales acted swiftly yesterday to cut all ties with Folau, even though his absence will be a hammer blow to the Wallabies’ World Cup chances.
A robust RA statement declared: ‘As a code we have made it clear to Israel, formally and repeatedly, that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.
‘In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract.’
It added: ‘While Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport. We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts.’
The multi-talented player could seek a switch to rugby league or Aussie Rules, while there could also be interest from union clubs across Europe.
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 all 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.’
International Gay Rugby, the global organisation for gay and inclusive rugby clubs, welcomed the news that Folau’s lucrative contract had been cancelled.
Chair Ben Owen said: ‘When someone like Folau makes statements like this, it sends a message that members of the LGBT community are less-than and can cause irreparable harm.
‘On behalf of our gay and inclusive rugby community, we hope the decision made today sends a message to the world that any kind of discrimination has no place in our sport.’