The pride flag is clearly visible in the stands as Israel Folau scores a goal at the XV World Cup at Twickenham. Photo: Getty Images/David Rogers
Israel Folau, a former wallaby fired in 2019 for saying that “hell awaits” homosexuals, was booed at every touch of the ball by part of the Twickenham crowd on Sunday.
Folau, who scored a try in a losing event as Steve Hansen at the World XV lost 48–42 to Eddie Jones; The Barbarians, was taunted at the first touch of the ball in the sixth minute, which could also be heard on television as the Pride flag flew high above the Twickenham North Stand.
The defender won 73 matches for the Wallabies between 2013 and 2019, but after being sacked by Rugby Australia, he switched sides to Tonga. The 34-year-old made his debut for his adopted country in 2022 and, if selected, will represent them at the World Cup this fall, returning to rugby union after the interrupted league stint that launched his career.< /p>
In response to Folau's presence at Twickenham, the Rugby Union decided to fly the Pride flag before and during the game at their headquarters. The English Rugby Authority also donated 100 tickets to the local LGBT community.
One of the recipients of these tickets was Nick Heath, a leading LGBTQ commentator, who said it was “vitally important for people to object to the presence of a guy who insists on using a very public platform to promote a message that can cause harm.” others".
The crowd clearly reacted to the controversial wing at Twickenham. Photo: Tom Sandberg
"There's a whole pocket of us here" said Heath, whose group proudly displayed rainbow flags at Twickenham. “About 100 people were invited from the LGBTQ community representing various IGR [International Gay Rugby] clubs and through us to Pride in Touch. We are working hard on inclusion through sensory rugby and we have engaged many of our volunteers and people who have worked with the West London Queer Project.
“While the RFU has acknowledged that there is still work to be done to ban transgender participation – and today's flag-raising was met with a lot of positive – it's still a matter of visibility. You don't know who in the crowd is struggling to come to terms with their own identity, who needs to see that there are people who object to the presence of a guy who insists on using a very public platform. to promote a message that may harm others.
“There's no problem with him having religious beliefs – that's fine – the problem is sharing them in a very public realm where you're a role model and you have the next thing you do and end up it can harm people because of what they don't want to do. This is what he thinks you should be talking to everyone about, what you're going to hell for, and he can promote – if not force – young people to harm or kill themselves in his name – called religion. Folau's coach with World XV Hansen, who wore a rainbow bracelet to celebrate the occasion, added: “The community is special and every individual deserves love and care.”
Barbarians' the win, led by Alan Wyn Jones during what was arguably his last appearance at Twickenham, marked Eddie Jones' win. first appearance in the homeland of English rugby since his dismissal by the RFU in December. The Australian said it was “fantastic”. back.
"Fantastic friend," Jones, 63, said. – The sun is shining. No coat, no scarf. Just a shirt. Fantastic.
"Just good [memories], mate. Seven years here. This is the longest period I've coached a team and I've enjoyed every minute of training here. I enjoyed every minute of coming back."
Recent Comments