Israel Folau has revealed Wallabies teammate David Pocock initiated their chat following his controversial comments about the gay community.
Despite the pair having very different world views, Folau doesn’t believe it will have any impact on or off the field as the Wallabies gear up to play Ireland in a three-Test series starting this weekend.
The NSW Waratahs star drew the ire of many in the sporting world following his Instagram comment that said God’s plan for gay people was “hell”.
He met with Rugby Australia, where he told boss Raelene Castle that he wouldn’t be backing down from his outspoken ways, but wasn’t reprimanded.
Pocock’s views on homosexuality couldn’t be more different after stating he wouldn’t marry his partner Emma until same-sex marriage was made legal in Australia.
Folau revealed the pair were “100 per cent” behind each other after talking during a meeting of Wallabies players on the Gold Coast in May.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika had previously mentioned the pair had spoken but didn’t go into any detail.
“There’s nothing personal towards each other,” Folau said in Brisbane on Sunday.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him when (the Brumbies players in the Australian squad) get into camp.
“We’re both grown men and talk about things openly. We just had an open chat about our different beliefs.
“We respect each other. It doesn’t change the way we feel about each other.
“It won’t change anything when we step out onto the field. I’ll be there to cover him and same with him. We’re 100 per cent behind each other.”
Folau also said he is “more than happy” to speak to other teammates who have any questions about his beliefs.
“I think there’s a whole lot of respect in the team and that’s what I like about the team. We’re in it together as one,” Folau said.
“Everyone is from different backgrounds but we’re all one team and we try and achieve something on the footy field which is something special.”
Tissot Time
Guest
Yes he was very balanced when applying a guillotine choke old against that Chiefs player a couple of seasons back.
Dennis Hopper Jr
Guest
Paint brush meets a blank canvas.
piru
Roar Rookie
Very likely, I am responding to the childish accusation that he 'dobbed' above
taylorman
Roar Guru
It is when they are dumb. Pocock has shown an intelligence, hes shown compassion, hes thought about the impact on his team but has also voiced concerns about the potential wider impacts. Thats called not dumb. Folau has done none of that. Hes used his rugby following as a vehicle for pushing his religious beliefs. Upon being called out, hes reinforced it. Doesnt consider the sport, his team, his fanbase, and certainly not the sector of society hes offended. To me, thats dumb.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
You don't know that he didn't. Just as you said if it was one of Pococks teammate's he would likely have handled it personally. Dennis may have pull JP aside or said something after the game.
piru
Roar Rookie
I'm asking the room, you were just closest
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Why are you asking me?
piru
Roar Rookie
So why didn't he pull JP into line?
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Dave Dennis was captain of the Waratahs
Aussikiwi
Guest
Pocock is also quoted in the SMH as saying the following: "Having Australia's best rugby player using his platform like that has the potential to really harm young people who are going through some pretty rough stuff trying to come to terms with their sexuality," "They're [trying to do] that in a culture that clearly hasn't become inclusive enough. The fact there are still no footballers in Australia who are openly 'out', that says plenty about current sports culture and our society." Hear, hear, David.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Hooper's record at the Tahs last year was woeful too. So either your Logic is flawed or there is more to being a captain than having a winning team.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
There was an article, here i believe, that spoke about how the AB coaches started using the criterion that the players needed to be good guys too. the psychology goes toward playing better as a team. The AB's believe Good Guys play better, Let's see how our collection of individuals can improve their performances this year.
piru
Roar Rookie
It wasn't his player, if he had've been I'm sure it would have been handled personally. Wasn't Hooper NSW captain at the time? Do you expect Pocock to do his job for him (yet again)?
piru
Roar Rookie
There is a teapot orbiting the sun at a distance so as to be invisible to all current technology. Prove it isn't there. Anything that can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence - Christopher Hitchens
Ralph
Roar Guru
If you make philosophical posts yourself you can generally expect a degree of philosophy in return. Just the way it works, even on a rugby forum. The main thing is respecting people instead of denigrating them or their opinions. Calling people dumb is not respecting them.
Ralph
Roar Guru
You are right, God does not live in the sky. Hope you feel better from your rant.
Sage
Roar Rookie
To him and many others it isn't Political Correctness. It is just simply right and wrong. Seeing an injustice and calling it out. Like Rosa Parks on a bus. David Pocock is a walking advert for tolerance and inclusiveness, not politics. "Uni socialist 15". So this is something to do with socialism to you? He's a red under the bed or something is he? We are all entitled to our opinions but as i said, if you feel this way, to me it's a shame.
Unanimous
Guest
Just touching base.
piru
Roar Rookie
Sheikh it was never stripped from him, he was injured.
piru
Roar Rookie
Subtle, but hilarious