Judge me on character Izzy, Nigel Owens demands

Rugby’s highest-profile referee Nigel Owens has urged Israel Folau to judge him on his character rather than his sexuality.

Rugby referee Nigel Owens has urged Israel Folau to judge him on his character, rather than his sexuality. Picture: Getty Images.

Rugby’s highest-profile referee Nigel Owens has urged Israel Folau to judge him on his character rather than his sexuality.

The Wallabies star has also been admonished for his anti-gay views by Chiefs halfback Brad Weber, who’s described the prospect of playing against him as disgusting.

A referee of more than 150 international matches, Owens has condemned Folau’s view expressed on social media that gay people are destined for hell unless they repent their “sins”.

Israel Folau. Picture: Getty Images.

The Welshman came out publicly in 2007 after attempting suicide at age 24, having struggled to come to terms with his sexuality.

The now 46-year-old stresses that devout Christian Folau is entitled to his beliefs but says his comments would have been deeply hurtful during his difficult time.

“For me it’s trying to get those people to understand, ‘look, me being gay is not a choice’,” Owens told the Unfiltered podcast.

“There are young people out there taking their own lives, feeling like I did. “And that’s what I wish people would think about and the way they convey their opinions and I wish they would try and understand that everybody’s different. “Judge me and other gay people, judge them on the content of their character, not their sexuality.” With Rugby Australia deciding not to sanction Folau, any push against his anti- gay views could now come from rugby’s rank-and-file.

Brad Weber. Picture: Getty Images.

One-Test All Black Weber suggested he could no long remain silent on the issue. “Kinda sick of us players staying quiet on some of this stuff,” he tweeted on Wednesday.

“I can’t stand that I have to play this game that I love with people, like Folau, who say what he’s saying.

“My cousin and her partner, and my aunty and her partner are some of the most kind, caring and loving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. “To think that I play against someone that says they’ll go to Hell for being gay disgusts me.” New Zealand Rugby has since reiterated its social media policy, though its unclear whether the move is a response to Folau or Weber’s use of their online platforms.

My cousin and her partner, and my Aunty and her partner are some of the most kind, caring & loving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. To think that I play against someone that says they'll go to Hell for being gay disgusts me. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

— Brad Weber (@brad_weber9) April 17, 2018

“New Zealand Rugby is committed to diversity and inclusion, and welcomes people from all walks of life,” the body said on its social media channels. “We respect that people have different views and beliefs, however expect that any opinions and views are expressed in a respectful way.” Two weeks after making the comment on Instagram, Folau doubled down in a column on Monday in which he revealed he offered to walk away from his RA contract in the wake of his controversy.

“This is not about money or bargaining power or contracts. It’s about what I believe in and never compromising that, because my faith is far more important to me than my career and always will be,” Folau told the Players’ Voice website. Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

AAP