Legendary All Blacks coach denounces Israel Folau, says controversial ex-Wallaby is why the gay pride flag will be flown at one of the biggest rugby matches of the year
- The Pride flag is expected to be raised in Twickenham on Sunday
- Steve Hansen says the rendering is by Israel Folau
- Hansen supports raising the flag during the match
Iconic All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes the pride flag will only be raised over Twickenham for the upcoming Barbarians vs World XV clash because Israel is playing Folau – and says that’s a positive.
Folau, 34, had his Wallabies contract terminated in 2019 after posting on social media that homosexuals will go to hell unless they repent of their sins.
He had previously caused a scandal in 2019 when he said devastating Australian bushfires were God’s way of punishing the country for legalizing abortion and same-sex marriage.
Hansen, who coaches the World XV team, caused a stir by picking Folau in his side alongside a ravishing back line that already includes his Tonga teammate Charles Piutau, Fiji’s Semi Radradra, All Black Ngani Laumape and Australia’s Marika Koroibete.
England’s ruling Rugby Football Union plans to show support for the LGBTQ+ community by raising the rainbow flag at Sunday’s match at Twickenham, a move Hansen applauds.
Steve Hansen says pride flag will only be raised over Twickenham for Barbarians vs World XV clash because controversial star Israel Folau plays
Folau was fired from the Wallabies team in 2019 after posting on social media that homosexuals should go to hell unless they repent of their sins
‘She [the RFU] wouldn’t fly the flag if he did [Folau] was not [selected],” said Hansen BBC Sports.
“The flag is brought to people’s attention, and the awareness of why it is there is in support of the people who are judged and treated badly for who they are.
“They deserve to be loved and cared for just as much as anyone else. If we all did that, it would be a nice place, wouldn’t it?
“The big lesson there is just treating everyone with kindness and love.”
Hansen has made it very clear that he disagrees with the former Wallaby’s views and says he can understand why some people are ‘hurt’ by his inclusion in the squad.
“Israel Folau is a very good rugby player,” said Hansen. “He’s world class. And I know by choosing him that some people will get hurt – and I understand that.
“However, I want those people to understand that Israel’s beliefs and beliefs are not ours. And we disagree with them.
“But he’s a rugby player first and foremost and he’s been punished.
Hansen has made it very clear he disagrees with the views of the former Wallabies and admits he knew Folau’s selection in the squad would be controversial
“Those sanctions are over, he’s playing rugby, he’s probably going to the World Cup, so it’s my job to pick the best team I can pick and that’s what I’ve done.”
Folau, who won 73 caps for Australia, is expected to play for Tonga at the World Cup in September.
Former England head coach Eddie Jones, who is now in charge of Australia, returns to Twickenham to coach the Barbarians for the first time since being sacked by the RFU in December.