Qantas may review Wallabies sponsorship over Israel Folau’s views on homosexuality
The national airline is considering pulling sponsorship of the Wallabies over Israel Folau’s views on homosexuality.
Qantas is considering pulling sponsorship of the Wallabies if further homophobic statements are made by Israel Folau or other players.
The highest profile rugby player in the country has come under immense criticism after saying on Instagram gays were destined to go to hell unless they repented for their sins. He has since deleted the comment posted on Tuesday.
While Qantas would not comment on its conversations with Rugby Australia other than to say it was disappointed with Folau’s post, it is understood that executives have made it known they will not tolerate more controversial statements regarding homosexuality.
Tomorrow in The Weekend Australian: Alan Jones on why Rugby Australia can’t tell Folau what to think
Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle and NSW Waratahs boss Andrew Hore will meet with Folau to discuss his use of social media.
Qantas, whose deal as the major sponsor of the Wallabies runs through to the end of 2020, said it was alarmed at Folau’s comment.
“We’ve made clear to Rugby Australia that we find the comments very disappointing,” a Qantas spokesman said.
Ms Castle has also distanced herself and the code from Folau’s views.
“Israel’s comment reflects his personal religious beliefs, however it does not represent the view of Rugby Australia or NSW Rugby,’’ she said.
“We are aligned in our view that rugby is a game for all, regardless of sexuality, race, religion or gender, which is clearly articulated in rugby’s inclusion policy.
“We understand that Israel’s comment has upset a number of people and we will discuss the matter with him as soon as possible.’’
Qantas backed RA’s position. “As a sponsor of Rugby Australia, we’re supportive of their approach towards tolerance and inclusion, which aligns with our own,” the spokesman said.
Folau came under fire last year for publicly saying he would vote No on the same-sex marriage bill, which was passed.
Qantas boss Alan Joyce, who is gay, was one of the most influential advocates of the Yes vote.
Folau raised ire on Instagram after he responded to a question on his own post asking what God’s plan was for gay people.
“HELL,” Folau replied. “Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God.”
He removed the comment but it had been shared widely.
Folau has 337,000 Instagram followers. Several of them and other Instagram users abused him for his views, which stem from his Christian beliefs.
Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is confident Folau’s controversial religious beliefs won’t divide the Wallabies or the NSW Waratahs.
“We’re all different people and have different religious beliefs and everyone is entitled to them,’’ he said.
“We’re a diverse group. We come from many different lands and we’re different individuals but we share the same common goal of wanting to be the best and represent our friends and family and fans as a team,” Hooper said from Tokyo on the eve of the Waratahs’ Super Rugby clash with the Sunwolves.
“We’ve got games to play and, regardless of what happens outside, we’ve got to do our best in the games and they come around each week and that’s the focus of the guys over here.
“It’s week to week for us. Tomorrow is all gearing up for the Sunwolves.”
Folau, a 62-Test star, is off contract at the end of 2018, with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika desperate to secure his attacking trump card for next year’s World Cup in Japan.
Negotiations are sure to be delicate now that Folau has seemingly contravened RA’s inclusion policy.
“Rugby has and must continue to be a sport where players, officials, volunteers, supporters and administrators have the right and freedom to participate regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or religion and without fear of exclusion,” the policy states.
“There is no place for homophobia or any form of discrimination in our game and our actions and words both on and off the field must reflect this.”
With AAP
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