Union want faith guidelines in wake of Israel Folau scandal
An unprecedented review of religious expression will be held by Australia’s professional rugby players in the wake of Israel Folau’s sacking.
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Update: An unprecedented review of religious expression will be held by Australia’s professional rugby players in the wake of Israel Folau’s sacking.
The Rugby Union Players’ Association has announced the review, to ensure that religious players know exactly what is and is not permissible to post on social media.
While Folau is the only player in the world who has chosen to repost biblical beliefs that are also homophobic, the tense situation his axing has created among Christian players in Australia has led RUPA to take this step as part of the healing process of the divisive issue.
RUPA chief executive Prataal Raj was by Folau’s side during his code of conduct hearing, and after the termination of Folau’s $4 million contract, RUPA’s actions indicate a pushback from Christian members over the saga, with several posting messages of support for the 30-year-old former Wallabies star over the weekend.
“RUPA notes that Rugby AU has not yet provided any clear or specific parameters to the professional playing group specifying how it expects individual professional players to express their faith and beliefs in manner acceptable to Rugby AU,” a RUPA statement said.
“To address this, RUPA will immediately establish and undertake an Expression of Faith & Beliefs Review alongside its’ players, incorporating advice from those with and without strong religious beliefs, with an aim to hold a first meeting of the review committee following the conclusion of the Super Rugby and World Rugby Sevens Series seasons.
“We will also invite both a Rugby Australia and a Super Rugby representative to participate in this RUPA-led Review, and we wholeheartedly urge them to take us up on this offer of collaboration and to contribute to a landscape with clearly established guidelines for players, which players can have confidence in.
“RUPA appreciates the difficult position which this incident has placed on Israel’s teammates and the broader professional playing group, and we will continue to support each RUPA member.
“RUPA remains proud of its diverse playing group and is committed to empowering and supporting each of its members to have conviction to express their faith and beliefs confidently.
“Clearly, there remains a great deal of work to be done in relation to this subject, but what remains paramount and a non-negotiable is empowering all of RUPA’s members to feel confident in understanding their rights and their responsibilities when expressing their faith and beliefs.”
RA chief executive Raelene Castle is supportive of the concept, pending further details.
“Rugby Australia is supportive of any initiative that aims to support the welfare of our players,” Castle said.
“We look forward to working with RUPA to fully understand their plans for the review and how Rugby Australia can support it.”
Originally published as Union want faith guidelines in wake of Israel Folau scandal