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Israel Folau and the modern sportsperson

Olly Stenmark new author
Roar Rookie
24th April, 2018
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Israel Folau. (Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Olly Stenmark new author
Roar Rookie
24th April, 2018
92
1677 Reads

Before the last World Cup, Israel Folau had been lacking the x-factor he originally displayed, and the higher echelons of rugby had to defend him vigorously. But now, it’s all beginning to unravel.

Folau’s recent actions have come at a time in Australian political and social discourse in which any sporting organisation would jump at the opportunity to be seen as leading the charge in inclusiveness and forward thinking.

However, his efforts should also generate discussion as to the rights of the athlete.

Where does the sporting personality begin and end? In what space are their personal views heard and can they ever be acknowledged purely as opinion, to which everyone else is entitled?

Rugby Australia was handed the chance to reaffirm that their Inclusiveness Policy is paramount to the sport’s values and daily operations – but they missed it.

Arguably, the precedent had already been set by the ruling over Jacques Potgieter’s homophobic sledging in 2015. Folau could have expected a monetary fine to the tune of $20,000 or more, but instead, a high-profile player was allowed to bend the rules and Rugby Australia proved themselves weak in the face of public outcry.

In an age where we instil values of inclusion and equality into our younger generations, these actions will ripple through the game, especially at the grassroots level.

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It has served as a lesson for not just rugby union but other sports too. Don’t be surprised if the NRL or AFL has an inclusiveness round to show commonality and in turn draw attention to their devotion to the core values of their respective games.

Major sponsors are also taking note, wanting to avoid the hot water rugby union has landed in with their major partner, Qantas.

The issue is not just Australia-centric – players from across the ditch are finding their voice on this issue too, which will make for some interesting match-ups in future games. It is only disappointing that Folau won’t have to face the Hurricanes this season, as TJ Perenara made some scathing remarks – but I’m sure Perenara’s Chiefs counterpart, Brad Weber, will be eager to show Folau just how “disgusted” he truly is at the comments in question.

Folau has effectively waved the ‘I can play anywhere I want’ flag, threatening to leave the game – go on, tell your story walking. If you are the highest paid and recognised player for a code and you are not 100 per cent committed to the sport and its vision, the sport will not miss you when you are gone.

There will be other superstars that Rugby Australia will call upon. Michael Hooper continues to mature as a player, and a captain; at least at Super level. I am amazed they have not called upon Kurtley Beale more since the unveiling of the Indigenous jersey. The strip’s debut Test last year was an opportunity to connect again with the amount of young talent we are losing to other codes. Rugby Australia also has the return of David Pocock to lift their spirits – through both on-field heroics and his off-field philanthropy.

So what will become of Folau? Will this be another code-changing moment in his career? Do the NRL really want to take on a potentially abrasive player during this time of societal change?

Maybe a sportsperson needs to retire before they can have their views heard, due to the ramifications it can have to not only their personal brand but the other parties involved – teams, sponsors and, ultimately, fans. Unfortunately, the modern athlete needs to take into consideration how their views will affect these associated parties as they may have a long-lasting effect on their ability to continue their careers.

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The general public will always judge a person on their vocalised moral standpoint, regardless of their position within a societal structure. For those making the decisions within Australia’s rugby hierarchy, I am sure they have their fingers crossed that Israel Folau returns to the Waratahs in scintillating form to justify their non-action.

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