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'A real stab in the heart' - Japan captain Leitch sends Folau passionate video message
By Josh Raisey
Japan captain Michael Leitch has sent a message to Israel Folau on Twitter calling for the Australian to apologise for comments he made yesterday.
Folau recently posted content on Instagram based on his religious beliefs that have created an enormous backlash from all over the world. Subsequently, Rugby Australia are set to terminate the Waratah’s contract, after he made similar comments last year.
In light of this, Leitch, who plies his trade with the Sunwolves in Super Rugby, has said “we can’t accept this kind of behaviour”. The 30-year-old called out Folau to apologise and comment on what he has said, as what he is doing is “wrong”.
Leitch said that 73-cap Australia international is a “fantastic player” and he is “sure that you’re [Folau] a nice guy”, but he is part of a growing number of players and former players that are criticising Folau.
In another video post which appears to have been subsequently deleted from his timeline Leitch said:
"Israel Folau I am calling you out. I thought your first comment regarding gays going to hell was outrageous, but this latest post is...this is out the gate and it's so wrong on so many levels. I respect your religion and what you believe in, but using social media to almost preach your views. It connects to so many people and everyone is not the same.
"There are so many people out there who are homosexual, atheist, people that drink for different reasons. There are people out there that are struggling with mental health. So to go out and say that if you are homosexual or one of those types of people you're going to hell - that's a real stab in the heart."
Former All Black Adam Thomson has also criticised the former NRL and AFL player on Instagram, saying he “doesn’t belong in the game of Rugby Union”.
This comes only days after Folau became the highest try scorer in Super Rugby history, eclipsing Doug Howlett’s record. With the World Cup on the horizon, the 30-year-old was also the Wallabies’ main hope of success in Japan, but that very much seems in doubt now, although Rugby Australia may allow for “compelling mitigating factors”.
Folau is yet to make a further comment, and Rugby Australia have not had any contact with him either, as his future remains unclear.
Watch: Folau views again court controversy
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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