Israel Folau says there’s no room for homophobes in rugby union and he is certain homophobia is not a problem at the NSW Waratahs.
Brumbies star David Pocock twice alleged to the referee that a homophobic slur was used toward his team during their 28-13 loss to the NSW Waratahs on Sunday – less than 12 months after the ARU signed off on an “inclusion” policy.
Pocock’s accusation was believed to have been directed at a NSW forward.
Folau, though, was adamant homophobia was not an issue at the Waratahs, the reigning Super champions.
“Certainly not. Rugby’s a game of inclusion where everyone is welcomed in and so me personally I don’t think there’s any of that within this club and also in the game of rugby,” Folau said on Monday.
“Myself, I’m a religious guy. Everyone has different backgrounds, culture and different beliefs.”
Pocock’s allegations have become a hot issue which the Super Rugby governing body will likely have to deal with as they are certain to have been included in the referee’s report filed by experienced South African whistleblower Craig Joubert.
A SANZAR spokesman said officials were yet to complete the regular review of post-match reports filed by the referee and other match officers.
He said the Brumbies had not, as yet, filed any formal complaint relating to Pocock’s allegation.
A Brumbies spokesman said there would be no further comment on the matter and the franchise was now leaving SANZAR to deal with it.
The on-field allegations have the potential to further fuel the fierce Waratahs v Brumbies rivalry and could also threaten to become an issue when players from the two squads come together on national duty in coming months ahead of the World Cup.
Pocock has been an outspoken advocate for same-sex marriage, among other moral causes, and Folau said that was the Wallabies star’s business.
“Everyone’s different,” Folau said.
“I can’t comment on the way he is as a person. That’s not my place to say anything.”
While he doesn’t believe the controversy will add any extra spice or bitterness to the next Waratahs-Brumbies showdown, Folau conceded there was a little more “heat” than normal in Sunday’s high-stakes derby at Allianz Stadium.
“The rivalry between the two clubs is what normally forms that, so there was always going to be a bit of heat,” he said.
“In the end, It was a great game that the boys really enjoyed being a part of.”
Wallabies back-rower Wycliff Palu was also among Waratahs players who did media interviews on Monday but he declined to comment on Pocock’s allegations.
Palu also dismissed the suggestion that Pocock’s claims may impact on Wallabies relationships.
