Ex-Wallabies coach Michael Cheika reveals he was confronted ‘aggressively’ on the street ‘often’ over the Israel Folau homophobia scandal
Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has revealed he was “aggressively confronted” on the street by fans over the handling of Israel Folau’s homophobia scandal.
Folau, an evangelical Christian, had his Rugby Australia contract broken in 2019 after he posted a meme on social media saying that homosexuals and other groups he considered to be ‘sinners’ have ‘hell’ waiting.
The “complex and sad” saga is now the focus of “Folau,” a two-part documentary airing May 18 and 25 on ABC.
In the documentary, Cheika, who coached the Wallabies between 2014 and 2019, reveals the impact the scandal had on the team and on him personally.
“That was a very difficult time for the team. Really difficult,” said the 55-year-old, who is currently in charge of Argentina.
Michael Cheika has revealed he was ‘aggressively confronted’ in the wake of the 2018 Israel Folau homophobia scandal
Folau had his Rugby Australia contract terminated after sharing a post on social media saying ‘hell’ awaited homosexuals and other groups he considered ‘sinners’
‘I have been aggressively approached on the street, often by people. I can imagine that happened to players as well.’
Folau, who had already faced criticism for expressing opposition to same-sex marriage in 2017 ahead of a national plebiscite on legalizing same-sex marriage in Australia, dismissed claims that he was bigoted or homophobic.
However, his social media post and its fallout caused bitter division.
Rugby Australia felt Folau had no choice but to terminate his contract, a move which angered some players who shared his Christian faith and Polynesian heritage.
“We’ve been told not to say anything about supporting Izzy or say anything at all. But anyone who didn’t support him was all over the news,” Wallabies star Samu Kerevi told the documentary.
‘They have been interviewed. They were allowed to say that they did not support the message.
“People go to court for whatever and they don’t get fired.
‘If someone [commits] he may play domestic violence, but someone who posted something that was in the Bible, no, let’s not play any further.”
Samu Kerevi (left) claims Rugby Australia forced him and other Polynesian and Christian players on the team not to support Folau (right)
Folau then took Rugby Australia to court for unfair dismissal, seeking $14 million in damages under employment law that prohibits firing an employee based on their religious beliefs.
The matter was eventually settled out of court and reportedly cost Rugby Australia $4 million, roughly the total value of his four-year contract.
An NRL star with the Melbourne Storm and the Broncos, Folau made the move to Union after two disappointing seasons with Greater Western Sydney in the NEAFL and AFL.
He made his rugby debut for the Waratahs in 2013, scoring 60 tries in 96 games in seven seasons for the club, as the New South Wales team won a maiden Super Rugby title in 2014 and reached the semi-finals in 2015 and 2018.
Folau played 73 Tests for the Wallabies, scoring 37 tries, the fourth most in history behind only David Campese with 64, Chris Latham and Adam Ashley-Cooper with 40 and 39 respectively
The former NRL star represented Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup last year
Just months into his Super Rugby career, Folau made his Wallabies debut against the British and Irish Lions as Australia lost the Test series 2-1.
He went on to play 73 Tests for the Wallabies, scoring 37 tries, the fourth highest in Australian rugby history, behind only David Campese with 64, Chris Latham and Adam Ashley-Cooper with 40 and 39 respectively.
Folau returned to rugby league in France in 2020 and attempted to revive his career in the sport in Australia, but was blocked by local officials.
He switched codes again to play rugby in Japan and last year represented Tonga at the Pacific Nations Cup tournament after World Rugby changed its eligibility rules.