‘Irony of Inclusivity’: Former Athletes Criticise Reported Rejection of Folau NRL Bid

Israel Folau has drawn support from former NBA, rugby league, and rugby union players.

Israel Folau of the Wallabies looks on during the Third International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and Ireland at Allianz Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Matt King/Getty Images

The alleged denial of Israel Folau from re-entering the Australian Rugby League Commission has received criticism from former athletes.

Folau’s wife, Maria, had posted a video on Instagram claiming Israel had been offered a spot with the Wests Tigers in Sydney, only for the offer to be withdrawn after alleged opposition from team stalwart Wayne Pearce.

In 2019, Folau had his multi-million-dollar deal with Rugby Australia terminated after he posted a meme saying that Hell awaited: drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, and fornicators among others.

At the bottom of the post were the words: “Jesus saves you.”

Since then, the openly religious Folau has plied his trade in Europe, Asia and Tonga, but the invitation from the Tigers would put him back on Australian fields.

Maria Folau’s Claims

On social media, Maria Folau claimed Wayne Pearce, who is on the Australian Rugby League Commission, prevented her husband’s return to the field.

“Now I’m not sure how these boards work, and how one person has that much pull, and who can play in the [National Rugby League or NRL], and who can’t,” she said.

“We’ve been told that the Tigers are no longer going to lodge a contract because of the media pressure, it would be a distraction for the club, and then also pressure from elsewhere.

“It’s very unfortunate that the Tigers have changed their mind.”

While the Folaus claim the invitation to play for the Tigers came from coach Benji Marshall, he said recruitment was not on his mind.

“I don’t talk about recruitment publicly, but that’s the furthest thing from my mind right now,” he said in a media address provided to The Epoch Times.

“There’s been a lot of reports out there, but I need to get my team back on track.

“I’m not even going to go down that path.”

Former Athletes Vocal

However, in response to Maria’s Folau’s post, former Australian rugby union player Quade Cooper called it an “irony of inclusivity.”

“Excluding someone in the name of inclusion,” he wrote in a comment. “You can’t claim to champion diversity while deciding who gets to participate.”

Former New Zealand All Black Ardie Savea responded with love heart emojis, while former Queensland rugby league origin player Willie Tonga posted a passage from the Bible: “Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬: ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’”

A high percentage of Pacific Island athletes subscribe to Christianity.

Former NBA player Andrew Bogut called the situation the “double standards of double standards.”

“Drug use—ok welcome back. Drink driving—ok welcome back,” he wrote, alluding to rugby league indiscretions involving Brandon Smith and Ezra Mam.

“Domestic violence—ok welcome back. Arrested for x,y,z—ok welcome back,” Bogut added.

“‘Non inclusive’ beliefs or words—not welcome back sorry.”

The Christian-leaning Family First said Folau did not commit a crime.

“Israel Folau has not committed a crime. He has not assaulted anyone. He has not abused women. He has not engaged in misconduct on the field or off it,” wrote National Director Lyle Shelton in a statement on social media.

“His ‘offence’ was posting a Bible verse expressing orthodox Christian teaching about repentance and salvation.

“Yet the NRL has repeatedly welcomed back players involved in serious off-field scandals, including incidents involving violence against women and other deeply troubling conduct.”