“Rugby League has a strong history of inclusion, of breaking down barriers and of being a forward-thinking sport. I think that today more than any day that it is vitally important we reiterate that message.”
That was Wigan Warriors executive director Kris Radlinski, announcing the club is organising a Pride Day match for Round 8 of this Super League season – when the Warriors take on Israel Folau’s new club, Catalans Dragons.
Folau finally found himself a new employer overnight, Dragons announcing the signing of the former Wallaby on a one-year deal.
And while Wigan’s response, which will see them wear rainbow socks and shoelaces for the game, as well as organise a number of yet-to-be-confirmed promotions and activities around the match, was one of the more notable objections to the news, it’s gone down unsurprisingly poorly with the wider rugby league community.
Super League CEO Robert Elstone is dismayed his competition will now be home to a player who made more headlines for his comments condemning gay people to hell than his efforts on the field.
“Super League deplores the homophobic comments Israel Folau has made in the past, which squarely contradict our sport’s core values,” Elstone said.
“I have sought the opinion of informed voices connected to our game, and the majority share my disappointment that one of our clubs has chosen to sign him.
“There is a strong feeling that the decision to sign him lets down many people connected to our sport.
“I made Catalans Dragons aware of those views.”
Related
However, Elstone conceded there was little Super League could do to prevent Folau’s signing.
“Super League does not have the authority to veto the registration of players and is satisfied by the due diligence carried out by the Rugby Football League.
“Israel Folau is a free agent, who has the right to work, and he has not been charged or found guilty of any criminal offence.
“Catalans Dragons has assured Super League that strict guidelines are in place to prevent the player from repeating his comments.
“They have also assured us that his contract will be terminated immediately should he do so.”
Wakefield Trinity prop Keegan Hirst, Super League’s first openly gay player, was also quick to speak out against Folau’s move to the Dragons, saying he was shocked and disappointed at the news.
“Our great game is tasked with fighting against homophobia and standing up for the values it puts such high stock in,” Hirst posted on Twitter.
“It shows none of the bravery, camaraderie or integrity RFL expects from its players, staff and fans.”
A statement from the RFL was similar to Elstone’s comments, condemning Folau’s comments while washing their hands of responsibility for his signing.
“The RFL places a high value on the sport’s reputation in prioritising inclusion and diversity – and deplores the player’s previous comments,” the statement read.
“However, the moral responsibility for deciding whether to sign a player sits with individual clubs.”
Catalans Dragons chairman Bernard Guasch also joined the chorus of those criticising Folau’s views while saying the club wanted to give the code-hopping player a “new opportunity”.
“We do not share or condone those views and we are totally committed to our club and our sport being open and welcoming to everyone,” Guasch said.
“We do not believe that those views should be publicly expressed, especially by a high-profile sportsperson.”
As for Folau, the player himself said he won’t be making any more comments about his beliefs.
“I acknowledge the views expressed by Super League and the Rugby Football League,” said Folau.
“I’m a proud Christian, my beliefs are personal, my intention is not to hurt anyone and I will not be making further public comment about them.”
Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia last May after a number of homophobic comments by Folau over the previous year. The governing body and Folau reached an out-of-court settlement after the player took his former employers to court following his sacking.
TIGER
Roar Rookie
I have only ever viewed the Folau issue as a breach of contract in relation to the position Rugby Australia has adopted. My only point would be that RA got blind sided because their contract didn't spell it out specifically. I don't for one moment condone Folau's comments and I accept that he is entitled to his opinion religious based or not, but simply as a compassionate person I would never say such things. We are all different and we should accept that fact and judge people by their character not their choices. There are a lot of fragile people in our society who need help not criticism. As a final point I believe profile people have to accept the added responsibility of understanding what they say matters.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
I've only seen him bomb a try. With the unmarked winger 3 metres from the try line Folau hogged it and tried to run over the top of the defender with cover converging fast.
In brief
Guest
...oh and by the way heterosexuals do have to repent for being sexual beings in the same way as homosexuals. There is a very narrow social construct which they must operate within to avoid this but if a married man has a wondering eye, which maybe beyond his self control, then he is an adulterer too...
Nambawan
Roar Rookie
From my experience and knowledge of the ethos and no nonsense supporters of RL in the north of England the 'gay pride ' shenanigans of the Wigan Club et al will receive little support. And I have no doubt that Folau as a top sportsman will be accorded a fair and appreciative response in relation to his performances on the field.
In brief
Guest
Wrong- his post targeted sinners which included all groups and was written with love not hate
In brief
Guest
I’m straight and according to Folau’s post have a date with the devil / so how was that homophobia?
lesterlike
Roar Rookie
Dragons are lucky they operate in relative obscurity down in Perpignan that they can get away with this. I don't even think Olympique Toulouse would be able to avoid the media storm signing him would cause, let alone if there was a club in a much bigger city like Lyon or Paris.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The level of ignorance to refuse to accept that saying somebody being gay is something they need to apologise, or "repent" for is not: having or showing a dislike of or prejudice against homosexual people If there was no prejudice against homosexual people, being homosexual would not be something you need to repent for, where being heterosexual is not. And before you try and misconstrue the argument, yes heterosexuals may need to repent based on what Folau said, but for actions. Not for being heterosexual.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Not if their beliefs require them to express exclusion, derision or demonsiation of others.
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Interesting that after months of debate you still haven’t learnt anything. I$$y’s comments are homophobic. It’s that simple.
Insider
Roar Rookie
No my point is no Israel no Rainbow theme game , yeah
DNZ
Guest
It's funny how when someone like Folau is virtue signalling, the readers here consider it being a good christian and something he should be applauded for. When atheists/people with no religion do it though? It's apparently something to be derided and looked down upon.
DNZ
Guest
I cannot imagine a world where my only rebuttal to any comment remotely related to my religious belies that I found offensive was "BuT wHaT AbOuT teH mUsLiMs!!!" Can you not think of anything valuable to contribute to any of these discussions?
In brief
Guest
Scary article- the level of ignorance and the willingness to use ugly slurs all in the name of inclusion is double speak at its finest. Nothing Folau said or believes was or is homophobic. He believes the whole village- gay, straight and bi- are sinners- how’s that not inclusive?
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
This isn’t about politics. This is about a sports code of conduct and ethical values. Do you understand the difference?
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Wow! Just imagine!
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
In a team sport you were the team colours as determined by the club. I hope this helps your concerns.
mbp
Guest
inclusionism is accepting people of all creeds and beliefs and allowing them to express their opinions.... the aru took a pro gay approached and alienated christians. this is not inclusionism...... sporting bodies should stick to governing their sports. NOT getting involved in politics. isreal folau has not broken any law.... all he did was express his opinion.
Gnasher
Guest
It also turns out that Wigan looked in to signing Folau but couldn’t fit him under the salary cap. No surprise that the Catalans don’t care, they fielded Greg Bird despite his conviction (and before his subsequent acquittal). It seems that the only crime Rugby League won’t forgive is thoughtcrime.
Jacko
Guest
There is a song that is perfect for Wigan....."Youre so vain. you probably think this game is about you"