Folau row threatens to divide Wallabies
Some Australian players could reportedly boycott team if the superstar wins his case, saving his multiyear, multimillion-dollar contract
Sydney — Controversy over rugby superstar Israel Folau’s homophobic comments is reportedly threatening to divide Wallabies players ahead of the World Cup, with some unwilling to play with the controversial fullback and others feeling their religion is under attack. Rugby Australia want to sack the devoutly Christian Folau over a social media post that read “hell awaits” gay people. The matter will be heard at a code of conduct hearing on Saturday. But the Australian newspaper reported that if Folau wins the case — saving his multiyear, multimillion-dollar contract — a number of Wallabies could “make themselves unavailable” to play with him. It did not say how many were considering a boycott but pointed to a string of comments critical of Folau by senior players and management. Just last week, Wallabies director of rugby Scott Johnson backed Rugby Australia’s move to axe Folau, saying “we want a game that includes everyone”. Rugby Australia feel they have no choice but to act after...
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