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Rugby Australia faces a moral dilemma following the publication of more online publications of the Wallabies keystone, Israel Folau. The future of Waratah's rugby player is again uncertain after using Twitter to insult various people, ranging from homobaduals to atheists and drunkards.
After initially deciding not to comment on Folau's latest attack, RA released Wednesday night a statement condemning the Christian devotee. "Rugby Australia is aware of a message posted by Israel Folau on its Instagram account this afternoon," the ruling body said.
"The content of the article is unacceptable. This does not represent the values of the sport and is disrespectful to members of the rugby community. Rugby Australia's Integrity Unit is busy with the issue tonight. "
Folau had already tested the patience of RA director Raelene Castle with a series of homophobic publications last year, including the one that said, "God's plan for homobaduals was 'hell'.
Three-time medalist John Eales was warned but was not sanctioned by Castle after threatening to get away from the game if his strong Christian beliefs were compromised.
Folau – who turned 30 last week before becoming the all-time all-time Super Rugby scorer after winning his 60th five-point goal for the NSW Waratahs – has since been largely silent on social media. 'See you on Wednesday.
Folau posted a meme that said: "Beware drunkards, homobaduals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters, hell is waiting for you. To repent! Only Jesus saves "before adding a verse from the Galatians Bible.
He added, "Those who live in sin will end up in hell if you do not repent. Jesus Christ loves you and gives you time to turn away from your sin and come to him. "
Folau also took on Twitter to push another problem.
It's been just two months since Folau signed a new multi-million dollar contract extension to stay with the NSW Waratahs until the end of 2022.
It is unclear whether the agreement with Waratahs and Rugby Australia, which strongly promotes inclusion, contains a clause preventing Folau from posting provocative messages on social media.
The UK-based LGBT charity, Stonewall, criticized Folau and called on Rugby Australia to take action.
"Folau's comments are just one example of the work that remains to be done to combat discrimination and the use of hate speech against bad, gay, bibadual and transgender people," PA Sport Kirsty Clarke, Director, told IRIN. sports in Stonewall.
"It is important that Rugby Australia has rallied to challenge Folau's insulting remarks. The more players, supporters, clubs and organizations that defend equality, the sooner we will end discrimination and make sport the sport of all. "
Former Welsh international Gareth Thomas, released as gay in 2009, also responded to Folau's comments on Twitter. "I do not write this with hatred or anger after Israel Folau's comments. I write with sympathy, "wrote the 44-year-old man.
"For all those who read it, do not be swayed by his words, be the best person and be yourself, whoever you are .. Hell does not wait, happiness awaits you."
International Gay Rugby, the world's largest gay and inclusive rugby club in the world, also hit the 30-year-old. "The effects of these hateful comments on LGBT people are extremely harmful," the organization said in a statement.
"We want all LGBT athletes to know that rugby is a sport in which you are welcomed and respected, a sport of values that does not allow such fanaticism or discrimination.
"We are very interested in the findings of Rugby Australia's integrity unit when it meets tonight and congratulate the union for its position that such comments are unacceptable."
The last episode of the saga is the last thing Wallabies coach Michael Cheika needs from his prime minister in a World Cup year.
The flanker champion, David Pobad, is already in the limelight of the World Cup fitness after playing Super Rugby this year as he faces a neck injury that threatens his career.
In addition, if RA removed Folau's contract five months later and left the Wallabies with the terrible prospect of doing without their two best players in Japan, Cheika's plans would be in shambles.
But this is now a real possibility after the Wallabies' biggest sponsors, Qantas and Asics, threatened to move away last year before Folau was led for the first time over hot coals.
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