Wallabies major sponsor Qantas threatens to pull sponsorship over Israel Folau ‘gays to hell’ spray

QANTAS is considering pulling sponsorship of the Wallabies if further homophobic statements are made by Israel Folau or other players.

Israel Folau is out for the next month nursing a hamstring injury.

• GAYS GOING TO HELL: Izzy causes controversy

QANTAS is considering pulling sponsorship of the Wallabies if further homophobic statements are made by Israel Folau or other players.

While Qantas would not comment on their conversations with Rugby Australia other than to say they were disappointed with Folau’s post, the Daily Telegraph understands executives have made it known they will not tolerate more controversial statements regarding homosexuality.

Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle and NSW Waratahs boss Andrew Hore will meet with Folau to discuss his use of social media, after he said gays were destined for “hell” if they did not repent for their sins on Instagram on Tuesday night.

Israel Folau is out for the next month nursing a hamstring injury.

Folau deleted the comment but was inundated with a barrage of abuse on social media yesterday, while many members of the public called for Qantas to pull their multimillion dollar sponsorship of the Wallabies; a deal that runs through to the end of 2020.

While the national carrier is not contemplating such a move now, they will seriously consider withdrawing sponsorship if similar comments are made again because they deem it to be bringing their brand into disrepute.

Australian rugby can ill-afford to lose sponsors at a time the game is struggling financially.

Folau, a devout Christian, is the highest profile rugby player in the country and publicly stated last year he would vote against the same-sex marriage bill.

Qantas weren’t happy with Israel Folau’s comments.

Rugby Australia has had to balance outcry from the general public with Folau’s ingrained religious beliefs.

While they will discuss the issue with him, they won’t reprimand the 29-year-old superstar because he is entitled to his views under the same inclusion policy that the code has in place to prevent homophobia.

“We understand that Israel’s comment has upset a number of people and we will discuss the matter with him as soon as possible,” Castle said.

Originally published as Wallabies major sponsor Qantas threatens to pull sponsorship over Israel Folau ‘gays to hell’ spray