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Folau comments 'clearly don't reflect the spirit of inclusion and diversity' that Qantas supports


Israel Folau smiles during the Waratahs' successful match with the Crusaders. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
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The Wallabies’ major sponsor has condemned Israel Folau’s latest social media outburst and is awaiting Rugby Australia’s review into the controversy.

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RA’s integrity unit is investigating after Folau took to Instagram to proclaim hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters”.

The three-times John Eales Medallist as the Wallabies’ player of the year faces sanctioning – and possibly even having his multi-million-dollar four-year contract torn up – after the governing body condemned his posts as “unacceptable”.

“It does not represent the values of the sport and is disrespectful to members of the rugby community,” RA said of Folau’s abrasive stance.

Qantas, who threatened to pull their sponsorship with the Wallabies last year following a series of similarly provocative posts from Folau, echoed the disappointment of RA and NSW Rugby.

“These comments are really disappointing and clearly don’t reflect the spirit of inclusion and diversity that we support,” a Qantas statement to AAP said.

“We are pleased to see Rugby Australia’s condemnation of the comments and will await the outcome of their review.”

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– AAP

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Phantom 35 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

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