Rugby is my religion. It is lore, a tradition and knowledge passed from person to person. But religion is not my rugby.
In the Island Nations – where Christianity is more confronting, inspirational and evangelical (really, it’s a beautiful thing) – Israel Folau’s potential termination after speaking out against homosexuals (something staunch Christians just do not accept) will be seen as a shocking reaction.
But religion and rugby are not always as intertwined worldwide.
When your salary comes from a contract dependant on compliance with a social media policy, the media you produce is no longer your own or free and Israel Folau knew that – he’s been pulled up on it before.
This was, on some level, an act of religious devotion and also a political line in the sand with the ARU. It is the sabre rattling and then falling on one’s sword in the same action.
But was it a calculated career end?
It is a point of significant cultural difference that, in many of the Island Nations, church and sport go hand in hand. I accept I am a product of that system, having gone to a Christian school, yet, in Australia, it is quite different.
I respect those who have taken the religious Christian viewpoint in solidarity with Izzy – it’s always good to have support from your mates – but ideologically I cannot agree to condemn homosexuals to hell because it is my belief that hell is a human construct, not one assigned by a fictitious omnipotent other!
Rugby Australia’s policy, which is set down for the commercial success of the game and players would also reflect this and Izzy would have signed off to that.
It is something that overrides a player’s personal chosen ideological outlooks.
Any player cannot and must not alienate sections of the Rugby faithful, those who aren’t just members but major sponsors. Without them, you are nothing, there is no game. They literally pay the wages of all the players and that is why, as brilliant as he is, Folau has put his own head on the sanctimonious chopping block.
It is a massive loss to the game.
Some have said that Folau offended a minority, which he has, but really; why would a sporting icon choose to say some negative instead of saying something positive? “Do unto others as you would have done to you” – pretty sure that’s the Christian way isn’t it?
Put simply, if you use social media as an elite sportsperson, say positive things, find positive stuff, it should be simple.
Maybe he didn’t think through the consequences, or maybe he thought what he said would only be viewed as a religious statement. In any case, it is a lesson for other elite sportspeople that managing your own social media is a really bad idea.
Goodbye Izzy, the Wallabies sure will miss you, as will the Waratahs.
But maybe in time, there is hope for Foalu. Maybe he can be the representative for Western Sydney’s new Global Rapid Rugby team on a contract with absolutely no – or at least tightly managed – social media, There’s an opportunity, but it won’t be for millions.
I, for one, really want Izzy to remain the icon he is in this sport.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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