Bingham Cup: Israel Folau congratulates Sydney Convicts for gay rugby world championship win
ISRAEL Folau has congratulated the Sydney Convicts for winning the gay rugby world championship for a fifth time, hailing the victory as a great achievement.
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ISRAEL Folau has congratulated the Sydney Convicts for winning the Bingham Cup for the fifth time, saying it is a great achievement.
The Convicts, who were formed in 2004 as Australia’s first gay and inclusive rugby club, claimed another victory in the world championships of gay rugby — the Bingham Cup — by beating New York at the weekend in Amsterdam.
A report on Monday said the Convicts would present the Bingham Cup to RA boss Raelene Castle in October for the trophy to be displayed at the headquarters of Australian rugby.
The Convicts reportedly plan to invite the Wallabies and the Waratahs to the celebration, and both teams include Folau.
Devoutly religious, Folau has been at the centre of controversy this year after responding to a comment on social media saying gay people would go to hell unless they repent their sins.
The Convicts condemned Folau’s comments as being potentially harmful to young people.
Asked about the Convicts’ victory at Wallabies training, Folau said: “I am definitely pleased for the guys, winning the Cup. It is a great achievement. I am pumped for them. It is a great achievement for them and obviously the game.”
“I think a lot of people think I have a hateful view towards gay people,” Folau continued.
“That’s not the case at all. I have no problem with anyone or anyone playing the game.
“People have a reaction to my past comments in that they’re hateful and stuff like that, but they are not. I am just sticking by my beliefs. Obviously that’s a different experience and viewpoint to what other people believe.”
Asked about attending a function at RA for the Bingham Cup, Folau said: “I will just wait and see if there is an invitation put out to the team and see where we are, I guess.”
An RA spokesman said no plans had yet been made about a function in October, although Castle tweeted she was looking forward to hosting the Convicts and celebrating their victory.
Players have not attended previous trophy handovers by the Convicts at ARU headquarters.
The Bingham Cup is named after Mark Bingham, who died when he confronted hijackers on United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed during the September 11 attacks in 2001.
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Originally published as Bingham Cup: Israel Folau congratulates Sydney Convicts for gay rugby world championship win