The Israel Folau saga has left Rugby Australia facing a potential Polynesian player mutiny, after one of their rising stars claimed all Pacific Islanders “might as well just be sacked” for their religious beliefs.
Folau faces a code of conduct hearing on Saturday after posting on Instagram that hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters”.
As a result, RA and his Super Rugby team, the Waratahs, are set to tear up the multi-million dollar contract of their best player.
In a now-deleted Facebook post, Taniela Tupou, the 22-year-old prop known as ‘Tongan Thor’, made his position clear as he responded to a report that Samu Kerevi, the Wallabies centre, had apologised on Instagram after posting about his “love” for Jesus before Easter.
“Seriously? Might as well sack me and all the other Pacific Islands rugby players around the world because we have the same Christian beliefs?” wrote Tupou, who has 11 caps. “I will never apologise for my faith.”
Meanwhile, England’s Joe Cokanasiga and Tom Curry lead the shortlist for the Rugby Players’ Association 2019 Sanlam Young Player of the Year Award.
Also nominated are Harlequins’ Alex Dombrandt, Northampton’s Rory Hutchinson and Gloucester’s Ollie Thorley. The winner will be announced next Wednesday.
