Rugby boss issues a ‘please explain’ after Folau crosses the line

Wallabies player Israel Folau is set to face a grilling by Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle upon his return to Australia.

Wallabies player Israel Folau. Picture: AAP

Wallabies player Israel Folau is set to face a grilling by Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle upon his return to Australia next week, with the future of the team’s sponsorship to hinge on the outcome of the discussion.

Qantas, which has expressed concern over Folau’s remark that gay people are destined for hell, is taking a wait-and-see approach in the hope the player will heed ­advice to refrain from further ­homophobic statements, after Ms Castle promised to speak personally with the player.

That meeting is expected to take place on Tuesday, as Folau is in Japan with the NSW Waratahs.

The nation’s most high-profile rugby player came under renewed scrutiny this week over an Instagram comment stating that gay people would go to hell unless they “repent of their sins and turn to God”, sparking a backlash on ­social media and calls for Qantas to terminate its sponsorship.

Folau previously made his views on homosexuality known in the lead-up to the postal vote on same-sex marriage, stating that he planned to vote “no”.

Ms Castle yesterday promised to discuss the player’s most recent comment, which has been deleted, with Folau “as soon as possible”.

With RA’s annual general meeting scheduled for Monday, it is unlikely that this will happen before Tuesday.

 

“Israel’s comment reflects his personal religious beliefs, however it does not represent the view of RA or NSW Rugby,” Ms Castle 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.”

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper voiced his support for Folau, saying the player’s controversial ­beliefs would not divide the Wallabies or the Waratahs.

“We’re all different people and have different religious beliefs and everyone is entitled to them,’’ Hooper said from Tokyo yesterday ahead of today’s Super Rugby clash between the Waratahs and Japan’s Sunwolves.

Former Wallabies captain Nick Farr-Jones told Ben Fordham on Radio 2GB: “This is a storm in a teacup. It will blow over quickly. But it’s sad … it’s an impingement on freedom of speech. It is big money that Qantas are paying and they obviously have a lot of staff that would perhaps feel offended.”

A Qantas spokesman declined to add to earlier comments that the airline found Folau’s comments “very disappointing”.

However, it is understood the airline has made clear in talks with the Wallabies and RA that it may reconsider its position if Folau continues to make public comments that conflict with its values.

Qantas is the major sponsor of the Wallabies in a contract that runs through to the end of 2020.

Additional reporting: AAP