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.
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.
AndyS
Guest
Did I say that? He perfectly illustrates the difference between a star and the "star players" that the Wallabies and Australian media pump up. The All Blacks have never been all about McCaw or any player the way the Wallabies have been about Izzy and others before him.
double agent
Guest
Folau's quote from the bible of people going to hell unless they repent included idolaters,sexually immoral,adulterers,thieves,greedy,drunkards,revilers and swindlers. I must confess to dabbling in a few of these myself. Where is the outrage at being condemned to hell by all these people??
double agent
Guest
Paulo I'm sorry to say PeterK has smashed you out of the park.
double agent
Guest
Richie McCaw was never a start player?
double agent
Guest
Olly Stenmark please just go away.
Lezoire
Guest
all I said was this piece of Halibut was good enough for Jehovah..
Train without a station
Guest
I’ve never heard an off-contract player say they don’t have offers in the table...
piru
Roar Rookie
You have to ignore a certain percentage of the idiocy that floats around or you’ll never get anywhere. Case in point
piru
Roar Rookie
Perhaps I've missed some of this as I've only really read what's been posted here, I don't particularly care for the chattering crowds, at least here I respect most of the posters, if not all the opinions. You have to ignore a certain percentage of the idiocy that floats around or you'll never get anywhere. Fair enough if that's what's been said, but I still don't think most non Christians care enough to really have a strong enough opinion, and I think if you really drilled down into it it would be the opinion itself that irks people more than the fact he's a Christian.
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
Piru hates Christians, don't both with him.
Ralph
Roar Guru
Folau is a Christian and many attacks are direct attacks on those beliefs, So you don't need a bow because a bow implies distance. People have: * denigrated him; * disrespected him; * attacked his beliefs at every level; * called for him to move on from rugby; * sanctioned 'consequences' against him; * called for RA to take action against him; * blamed him for youth suicide; * attacked Ms Castle as 'a muppet'; * attacked Steve Hanson (of all people) for not attacking Folau enough; * complained that Folau "avoided sanction" from RA; * stated that Chinese Christians 'are the most intolerant people around'; * misrepresented Folau's views as homophobic; * called for qantas to put more pressure on RA against him; * suggested he is fair game because he is a wallaby. All in the name of 'tolerance'. Apparently.
MarkfromCroydon
Roar Pro
I didn't mis-read your comments. The evidence that polyamory is hard wired is exactly the same evidence that homosexuality is hard wired. ie. millennia of it occurring in humans and other species, even in societies where it is discouraged or outlawed. Equally as you cannot argue that one chooses to be gay or straight, you cannot argue that people choose to be polyamorous. Either you have that orientation, or you do not. Some people are able to live their polyamorous lives openly, but most are not. Personally, I would suggest that the rules of our society have stopped people expressing their true orientation, much the same way that homosexuality was repressed for many years (and still is in some places). The argument that 'the law' is what determines whether something is valid or whether something is viewed as a choice or not is fundamentally flawed. There are many countries around the world where homosexuality is illegal. If you believe 'the law' determines whether someone has the right to be of a certain sexual orientation, then you'd be supporting repressive laws where things like homosexuality are outlawed. I don't agree with that argument. By the way. There are people who are polyamorous who are sexually celibate, but are in committed relationships with more than one partner, or in group relationships.
piru
Roar Rookie
Are there any women here?
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Who threw that? ... Back of the line!
Taylorman
Guest
Geez the amount of hypocrisy that continues to go around on this one. Folau is simply stating his beliefs, where the ABs are throwing dirty laundry. Its like watching dumb and dumber all over again. Amazing how something that is not at all simple becomes even simpler again for some.
piru
Roar Rookie
I actually think it's shown up how many people like to hide behind the bible to defend their intolerance. I think it's drawing a very long bow to claim Christians are the victims here
piru
Roar Rookie
You're claiming polyamory is hardwired as is sexual orientation - I had never heard this being said. Please provide the evidence you base this on, I am genuinely interested. Personally have no problem with it provided everyone is willing and consenting
piru
Roar Rookie
Piru, who decides what opinions are inclusive enough to be allowed? All opinions are allowed, of course they are. But don't tweet messages aimed at victimising a particular group and then proclaim that true inclusiveness should include your exclusiveness. It's a silly attempt at using semantics to find a loophole
Ralph
Roar Guru
This whole saga has brought into stark relief how intolerant Australia really is, particularly of Christians.
JJJ
Guest
Tomato. No, wait, BBQ.