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'A real stab in the heart' - Japan captain Leitch sends Folau passionate video message

By Josh Raisey
New Zealand-born Michael Leitch has made huge contributions to Japanese rugby since 2008. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Japan captain Michael Leitch has sent a message to Israel Folau on Twitter calling for the Australian to apologise for comments he made yesterday.

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Folau recently posted content on Instagram based on his religious beliefs that have created an enormous backlash from all over the world. Subsequently, Rugby Australia are set to terminate the Waratah’s contract, after he made similar comments last year.

In light of this, Leitch, who plies his trade with the Sunwolves in Super Rugby, has said “we can’t accept this kind of behaviour”. The 30-year-old called out Folau to apologise and comment on what he has said, as what he is doing is “wrong”.

Leitch said that 73-cap Australia international is a “fantastic player” and he is “sure that you’re [Folau] a nice guy”, but he is part of a growing number of players and former players that are criticising Folau.

In another video post which appears to have been subsequently deleted from his timeline Leitch said:

“Israel Folau I am calling you out. I thought your first comment regarding gays going to hell was outrageous, but this latest post is…this is out the gate and it’s so wrong on so many levels. I respect your religion and what you believe in, but using social media to almost preach your views. It connects to so many people and everyone is not the same.

“There are so many people out there who are homosexual, atheist, people that drink for different reasons. There are people out there that are struggling with mental health. So to go out and say that if you are homosexual or one of those types of people you’re going to hell – that’s a real stab in the heart.”

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Former All Black Adam Thomson has also criticised the former NRL and AFL player on Instagram, saying he “doesn’t belong in the game of Rugby Union”.

This comes only days after Folau became the highest try scorer in Super Rugby history, eclipsing Doug Howlett’s record. With the World Cup on the horizon, the 30-year-old was also the Wallabies’ main hope of success in Japan, but that very much seems in doubt now, although Rugby Australia may allow for “compelling mitigating factors”.

Folau is yet to make a further comment, and Rugby Australia have not had any contact with him either, as his future remains unclear.

Watch: Folau views again court controversy

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Bull Shark 3 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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