Gareth Thomas has voiced his disappointment at Catalans Dragons’ decision to sign controversial Australian Israel Folau and called on Super League fans to make their displeasure known.
Dragons yesterday snapped up the dual-code international, who has not played since being sacked by Rugby Australia in May for making homophobic comments.
And Thomas, who came out in 2009 and made his rugby league debut against the Dragons the following year, tweeted: “So, Folau has joined the Super League. Really upset by this as the game, players and fans were so good to me.
“All I hope is that as much as Folau wanted his right to speak, then players and fans alike are allowed their right to respond. I will never watch him.”
In response to the Folau signing, Wigan announced their home game against the Catalans Dragons in March would be a “pride day” while Michael Carter, chief executive of Wakefield Trinity - likely opponents for Folau’s debut, said it was a wrong move.
“I don’t believe he should have been allowed in,” he said. “I don’t think it is the sort of advert we should be putting out for our sport. The views he holds are abhorrent and to hide behind religious beliefs is wrong.”
