John Hopoate defends Israel Folau in homophobic Facebook rant

Controversial ex-rugby league star and boxer John Hopoate has come out in support of Israel Folau in an extraordinary homophobic rant.

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John Hopoate says Rugby Australia should find a sponsor that does not have a gay chief executive in a direct attack on Qantas, as he defended Israel Folau.

The retired boxer and NRL star came to Folau’s defence as the Wallaby declared he would officially fight RA’s plans to terminate his $4 million contract for posting religious material that is homophobic.

“Israel has responded formally today to request a Code of Conduct hearing which, under the circumstances, was not an unexpected outcome,” Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle said.

“We will now work to confirm a date for the hearing as soon as possible.

“After the date for the hearing is confirmed Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will make no further comment on the matter until the Code of Conduct process has concluded.”

In a Facebook rant, Hopoate used the hashtags “#IfTheBossOfTheMajorSponsorIsAHomo #LookForAnotherSponsor”.

That is directly aimed at the Wallabies’ major sponsor Qantas, whose chief executive Alan Joyce is one of the highest profile gay men in Australia.

SERMON: Folau attacks Easter, Christmas, Catholicism

Qantas, like Australian rugby’s other sponsors, is keeping a close eye on Folau’s case.

The Daily Telegraph revealed last week that two of the code’s sponsors told RA their boards would not consider renewing deals beyond this year if Folau was not sacked.

Sponsors have stressed they have not demanded that RA sack Folau, leaving his employment future to them, but the implications are clear if he is to remain employed.

Millions of dollars that RA is dependent on would disappear.

And with commentary like Hopoate’s entering the public domain, and Folau’s code of conduct hearing to take up to two weeks to organise, it’s difficult to see how the game’s sponsors consider this saga to be a beneficial partnership for their brands.

John Hopoate came out swinging.

Hopoate, who could not be reached for comment, wrote: “If your [sic] a bloody HOMO who cares, I’ve been called racist names and all other crap all my life and if you can’t handle been [sic] told your [sic] going to hell we’ll [sic] toughen the F up cause No 1 cares if you do or if you don’t.

“But 1 thing I can say is GOD MADE ADAM AND EVE NOT ADAM AND STEVE.

“#AustralianRugbyAreMuts #IfTheBossOfTheMajorSponsorIsAHomo #LookForAnotherSponsor #SpeakWhatYouBelieveNotWhatOthersWantYouToSay.”

Hopoate is also a Christian and his son Will plays in the NRL.

John Hopoate never backs down from a biff.

Qantas declined to comment on Hopoate’s post.

There will now be a minimum five days given to gather an independent three-person panel to decide the code of conduct hearing.

With the Easter and Anzac Day public holidays coming up, it’s unlikely the hearing can be convened next week.

Originally published as John Hopoate defends Israel Folau in homophobic Facebook rant