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'I just want to address that I mistakenly liked Israel Folau's post'


Bundee Aki has represented Ireland with no lack of passion since he qualified in 2017. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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Ireland international centre Bundee Aki has apologised after he “mistakenly liked” an anti-gay social media post by controversial Australian player Israel Folau.

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Folau has requested a code of conduct hearing – it will take place on May 4 – after he was issued with a breach notice by Rugby Australia over his homophobic social media posts.

The union’s integrity unit ruled Folau had committed a “high-level breach of the Professional Players’ Code of Conduct”, warranting the termination of his employment contract, and he was given 48 hours to accept the breach of contract or refer it to a hearing.

The 30-year-old devout Christian said on his Instagram account that “hell awaits” for “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators”.

England No8 Billy Vunipola offered support for Folau’s view on his own Instagram account, resulting in formal warnings from his club Saracens and the Rugby Football Union.

Vunipola was booed throughout last Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup semi-final against Munster and he was also confronted by a fan during Saracens’ lap of honour at the Ricoh Arena following their 32-16 victory.

Connacht player Aki, who has won 17 caps for Ireland, apologised on his Twitter account. “I just want to address that I mistakenly liked Israel Folau’s post without paying any attention to the content,” Aki tweeted.

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https://www.instagram.com/p/BwG9eejAtV_/

“When I realised what the post was about I immediately unliked it straight away, as it does not reflect my views as a Christian.

“Yes I do believe in God, but my belief is that he is a God of kindness, peace and loves people in all aspects.

“I have family members, friends, and I have worked with many people who are gay and I have nothing but love and respect for everyone of them.

“I do want to apologise for any confusion or offence this may have\ caused anyone, and I will pay more attention to what I ‘like’ in future.”

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– Press Association

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Phantom 36 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).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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