A respected Australian rugby journalist says some Wallabies players will refuse to pull on the green and gold jersey should Israel Folau be cleared to play for the national team.
Folau faces a hearing this weekend, following his recent comments on social media that said gay people, among others, were destined for hell unless they repented.
It's the second time he's made comments about gay people on social media, and he now faces the sack and losing his $4 million contract.
Folau’s place at the World Cup is at risk after last week’s controversial social media posts. (Source: Other)
Wayne Smith of The Australian says several Australian players are considering withdrawing from Wallabies contention, if forced to play alongside Folau.
A number of Wallabies, including captain Michael Hooper, have expressed their disapproval of Folau's comments.
"It has nothing to do with freedom of speech, freedom of religion or the rights of an employer to make demands of an employee in exchange for the money they pay him, which in Folau's case is $4 million over four years," Smith said.
An expert from Auckland University explores the issues created by the rugby player’s views. (Source: Other)
"Yet even they would recognise that he has broken the prime directive: he had placed himself before the team."
Yesterday, prop Taniela Tupou expressed his anger at situations involving Folau and Wallabies teammate and Reds captain Samu Kerevi, highlighting further divisions within Australian rugby.
Kerevi felt compelled to apologise for taking to Instragram at Easter thanking "Jesus for dying on the cross for me. I love you Jesus#", prompting Tupou to say Pacific players could mutiny if their ability to express religious beliefs was curtailed.
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