He’s been able to answer most of the on-field questions posed by opponents, but now Israel Folau must answer to his off-field bosses.
The classy back is scheduled to meet Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle and her NSW rugby union counterpart Andrew Hore in Sydney on Tuesday to discuss his use of social media.
Australian rugby’s most thrilling player often gets people excited with his skills and deeds, but some of his words, opinions and posts have triggered less positive passions.
Wallabies superstar Folau caused an uproar when he said last week gay people were destined for hell “unless they repent of their sins and turn to God”.
That followed the firestorm generated by his support last year for the ‘No’ campaign during same-sex marriage plebiscite voting.
His opinions and posts have put Folau at odds with his national and state employers, who have placed great emphasis on the code’s inclusiveness.
“Israel’s comment reflects his personal religious beliefs, however it does not represent the view of Rugby Australia or NSW Rugby,” Castle said in a statement last week.
“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.
While obviously concerned about last week’s post, it’s not clear what action, if any, Folau’s employers can take, other than remind him of their values and ask him to perhaps be more considered and less controversial in his opinions.
NSW Waratahs back Folau can’t let his feet do the talking for him at the moment, as he’s sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Code-hopper Folau comes off contract at the end of this year, with the former NRL star and AFL player yet to announce his intentions for 2019.
His wife Maria is currently representing New Zealand in netball at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
piru
Roar Rookie
Ralph I feel like you are deliberately pretending you don't understand. You keep making mention of things he 'can't' do, without explaining who is stopping him or why. I've explained above, there's only one thing at issue here - he is paid as a representative and his tweet does not represent his employer the way they wish to be represented. Case closed
jeznez
Roar Guru
To "quote less than 1% of 1% won’t form the basis for rational discussion" Isn't that what Izzy has done? He is making homophobic comments and we are being told we can't criticise the man due to the justification of his religious beliefs. Is the justification due to a couple of verses in the collection of books? Or is he entitled to make these kinds of statements just because he claims it as a religious belief based on what he thinks his god wants? Would you support a racist making hateful comments if they used a religious defence?
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Well, the Telegraph is a more believable source than the Bible.... At least it uses facts from time to time.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
It is even simpler. The Australian commonwealth has legislated against the practices of these horrid fables and any speech advocating for them. I like the way you used the term "modern" for "good Christians" FOlau apologists use the term "Traditional" when talking about his churches system of beliefs. I prefer to call a spade a spade - They are "Medieval" or "Bronze Age" beliefs.
Ralph
Roar Guru
At last Piru we agree.
piru
Roar Rookie
Perhaps you should let Israel know
piru
Roar Rookie
The problem in this entire discussion over the last week is that it is being carried out by people who are not at all concerned by their utter lack of understanding of Christian theology. No The problem in this discussion is that it has absolutely nothing to do with Christianity. Certain sections are trying to frame it as a religious debate, and then tell the rest of use we don't have a right to an opinion because we never went to seminary. No one really cares what he believes, they just don't want him tweeting homophobic remarks that reflect badly on Rugby Australia that's it
PK
Guest
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/2018/04/10/israel-folau-castle-hore-response
Fionn
Guest
Sorry, mate, 60% of Australians identify as Christian but a majority of the population votd in favour of SSM. You're living in fantasy land if you think all Christians believe that gay people are going to hell. News flash: they don't all believe so. In fact, according to Italian sources the Pope allegedly said that Hell doesn't even exist.
jeznez
Roar Guru
That is pretty much my point
Dennis Hopper Jr.
Guest
I thought religious freedom gave one the freedom to bother god in a style of ones choosing, not to pile crap on your fellow man. A proper rugby man passed away today, a real fullback who put bums on seats because he wasn't a vacuous show pony. RIP Fergie McCormick
Akari
Guest
Totally agree, piru. Although this game we all love was born in England, one could say that it is a sport made for Polynesians. It's a fact that Polynesians were playing rugby long before Izzy Folau was born and will continue with this now Polynesian tradition whether Folau chooses stay in rugby or not, Fionn.
Fionn
Guest
Then what is your point? And don't say 'it's "cherry picking"' because that is literally what is being done when someone 'quotes' a text.
Ralph
Roar Guru
"You cannot deny that these passages exist." I didn't. But thanks I guess.
Ralph
Roar Guru
(shrug). You don't even know what I want.
Fionn
Guest
Sorry, Ralph. You're being disingenuous and misleading. You cannot deny that these passages exist. The most you can do is say that they don't actually represent the true ideology and message of Christ. I would agree with you with this. However, you also contradicted me when I said that most modern Christians do not accept the validity of these verses and instead follow Christ's message of love and tolerance. You cannot have it both ways.
Ralph
Roar Guru
Fionn, Show the post that said I denied the verses exist. Putting words in my mouth is not the foundation for a rational argument.
Ralph
Roar Guru
Fionn, I am not arguing the versus don't exist, check my posts. If you want to enter into any useful discussion on what Christ teaches contact me. Quoting newspaper articles that quote less than 1% of 1% won't form the basis for rational discussion. An entry point maybe, but this is hardly the forum.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I don't think that most Christians believe or support these things - never anywhere have I suggested that they do so we appear to be in agreement on that point. I am conflating the verses often cited by some Christians to support condemnation of homosexuality as being on par with these other verses that support things that are very broadly condemned. To use some horrendous parts of the books to support some views, while wilfully ignoring other parts is to not recognise an error in logic.
Fionn
Guest
No Ralph, you're trying to deny that verses that are in the Bible exist.