Now Israel Folau has been told Rugby Australia intend to sack him, what are his options for the future?
Folau is Super Rugby’s all-time top try-scorer and one of the game’s most electrifying runners with ball in hand. The 30-year-old signed a four-year, multi-million dollar extension with Rugby Australia earlier this year and has scored 37 tries in 73 appearances for the Wallabies since switching from AFL to rugby in 2013.
Folau’s unapologetic stance on homosexuality, coupled with public outcry and the denunciation and opposition being voiced by players and coaches around the world, doesn’t paint a very promising picture for his future in the sport. I personally commend Rugby AU for taking a stand against this toxic ideology, and am glad he won’t be playing here anytime soon.
So with Rugby AU shutting the door on him, where could Folau end up? Here are some of the options.
Rugby league
This condemnation of Folau’s remarks extends to the NRL, where Australian Rugby League Commission boss Peter Beattie said, “Israel Folau fails the NRL’s inclusiveness culture, which is a policy strongly supported by the ARLC.”
Any hope of a return to the NRL, where he began his career, is therefore gone.
However, he could eye off a move to England’s Super League, which has been a home to controversial players who couldn’t find a home in the NRL – Ben Barba, Greg Bird, Joel Monaghan and Todd Carney are but a few.
Israel Folau with the Broncos. (AAP Image/Action photographics, Robb Cox)
English Premiership
If he wants to stay in rugby union, the England Premiership immediately comes to mind. Unfortunately for Folau, multiple members of the competition have adamantly spoken out against his actions.
Former England prop Joe Marler tagged Folau in a tweet of an image of two men kissing, accompanied by a heart demonstrating a clear stance against bigotry.
Sam Stanley, England’s only openly gay elite rugby player, also spoke out against Folau.
“For the good of the game, I hope no English clubs – or any clubs – offer him a contract.
“He’s a world-class full-back with some of his best years ahead of him but, even if he’s available on the cheap, it would send out all the wrong messages. I’d be really angry.”
That said, Folau is an undeniably talented player, and some clubs may be willing to overlook his recent controversies to have him on their squad.
(Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
French Top 14
The most viable rugby union option for Folau seems to be in France, where there isn’t as much of a ‘role model’ ideology for professional sportsmen. There’s also a stack of money floating around the French clubs.
But it actually might not be that much of an option for Folau. Even notoriously controversial Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has dispelled any rumours of his club picking up Folau, while France also repped rainbow laces and captain arm-bands last year, in support of inclusion and acceptance of the LGBT community.
Japanese Top League
This could potentially be a viable option for Folau. While the Sunwolves’ Michael Leitch has spoken out against Folau, I’ve not seen anyone from the Top League speak out against his actions or take any solid stance on the issue.
He would definitely be a big fish in a smaller pond in this league, but there’s money in the league, and plenty of other Australians have headed to Japan for a payday at the tail-end of their careers.
The rest
I would not rule out Folau heading for Global Rapid Rugby, although it’s probably unlikely. The Andrew Forrest-run league have also stayed silent on the issue thus far and could be willing to get Folau playing for the Western Force in order to boost their profile.
Another left-of-field option could be a Super Rugby franchise outside Australia. We can rule out all five of the New Zealand clubs – plenty of Kiwi players have spoken out against Folau, and they’re not exactly short on talent – but playing for a South African side, or maybe even the Sunwolves, isn’t impossible. Unlikely for sure, but not impossible.
All up, things aren’t looking too good for the fullback. Any side which picks him up will likely receive significant condemnation from around the rugby world. But he is a remarkable talent who will help any side out on the field – if not off it.
Lynda Gemmill
Guest
The Highlanders are desperate for a full back and winger. Dunedin has a reputation for settling players who have needed a place of retreat. Quite a number of players have found the south a place to refocus. I think it is the perfect idea.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
"RUPA seem to be on his side" who needs a ringing endorsement All RUPA have said is that due process is to be followed. Them's the facts.
clipper
Roar Rookie
He we go again. Trying to tie up other reprehensible exploits as a reason nothing should be done, forgetting that two wrongs don't make a right. Throwing out the hypocrisy tag when what they've posted wasn't hypocritical All we need now is the incorrect use of irony to get the trifecta.
Jacko
Guest
Fionn who needs a ringing endorsement? Facts will do and if they are on his side then RUPA has to act in his favor.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
So Brunei is fundamentalist Christian? Cool. And normal.
Keilidh
Roar Rookie
They are not the teachings of all Christian churches, not even all Pentecostal churches. RA do consider them "nasty, hurtful and unnecessary" as evidenced by their foundation membership of "Pride in Sport" and their players' code of conduct. They are inclusive, they will let bigots play and watch, they just request they keep their opinions to themselves.
Tauuta
Guest
The articles title should be like this. What is the future of Australian Rugby if it continues on to be like this. Players now are surely scares to say anything.
The Barry
Roar Guru
“2,000 years of Christian teachings” 2,000 years of BS. It might have been fine wandering around condemning gay people to eternal damnation 2,000 years ago but the rest of us have moved forward and expect more from our public figures. You clearly don’t know what inclusive means. You’re still remarkably unenlightened...which isn’t surprising given your adherence to 2,000 year old dogma
The Barry
Roar Guru
Gibberish...you and Folau sound like you’d be great mates.
Vman2
Roar Rookie
@Big Dog. Your analysis relies on RA having an opinion on the afterlife. "RA made it extremely clear to Folau that his opinion on this matter [who gets sent to hell unless they repent] is very much at odds with their’s ..." This is the flaw. To be inclusive RA needed to have an agnostic view of the afterlife. Instead they have some other view. We don't know precisely what the RA view of the afterlife is, since they never publish it. However we now learn that it is at odds with the view held by Jews, Christians and Muslims. About half the people on earth. The RA is discriminatory. It decides who it employs. That is OK. What is hypocritical is to then claim to be inclusive and/or tolerant when clearly they are not. What the RA are confusing are religious beliefs on the afterlife with how you treat people in this very real life. Falou is NOT advocating that these sinful groups be treated differently in real life. Whereas RA ARE treating his group very differently in real life. That is the key. Except that it is then extremely hypocritical to claim to be inclusive when you can't tolerate the beliefs of the afterlife of half the world's population. Although I belong to at least 2 of the groups Falou says is destined for hell, I can see that failing to tolerate his beliefs is a slippery slope to authoritarianism.
Vman2
Roar Rookie
"It’s because he’s used his public platform to spread nasty, hurtful, unnecessary messages." I didn't realise RA considered 2,000 years of Christian teachings about the afterlife as "spread nasty, hurtful, unnecessary messages." Not to forget that Jewish and Islamic teachings are the same on this topic. However now that you have enlightened me, it is certainly clear that TA are anything BUT inclusive.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
The organisation he works for stated that: 1. They tried a number of times to contact Folau both directly and though his agent - but were unsuccessful. 2. They stated an intention to sack him 3. They stated that the intention to sack him was dependent on any mitigating factors. Since those initial statements RA is now in discussion with the RUPA regards Folau. How is that anything but due process towards Folau ?
CUW
Roar Rookie
yeah right - no one will make a public fuss and one bight Folau will be sleeping with the fish - as the saying was in God Father :D Japan has different ways of dealing with things
Elmono
Guest
Being anti homosexuality is only a taboo in western nations. No one will cause a fuss if Israel goes to Japan.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
RUPA said "It is RUPA’s position that any disciplinary action must be dealt with in accordance with the Rugby AU Professional Player Code of Conduct. RUPA will work alongside Israel and his representatives, the NSW Rugby Union and Rugby Australia to ensure that this process is followed. RUPA will continue to offer our support to Israel as required. The views expressed by Israel are his alone and are not endorsed by RUPA." That doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
"What he said wasn’t stupid; it’s his religious belief." Comment of the week right there folks.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
So two wrongs make a right Jacko ? Not the way I heard it growing up.
Jacko
Guest
Maybe he plans on keeping his current employment. Maybe he got legal advice prior to posting saying he is safe as based on the current contract. RUPA seem to be on his side in saying he cant be sacked for what he did.
Jacko
Guest
Sorry Barry but it is as hypocritacal as it can get. The Aus league coach has a history that isnt squeaky clean and many NRL players are guilty of far worse than Folau has done...Unless you dont rate domestic violence, rape, drink driving, assault etc as being worse than Folau's LEGAL rant.
CUW
Roar Rookie
if he walks away - his manager / agent gets nothing. if there is any payment when sacking him his agent gets his commission :D