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Debate ignites online over Folau's next destination
By Josh Raisey
Rugby fans around the world have weighed in with their opinion after it appears Rugby Australia have terminated Israel Folau’s contract.
A statement was released saying: “In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract.” This is after Rugby Australia were unable to contact the Wallaby following his controversial comments made yesterday about the LGBT community.
As expected, Twitter is awash with fans arguing for and against the decision to sack the fullback, and there are many impassioned supporters on either side of the fence. It is not hard to find the arguments that the fans are making following this decision on Twitter, however, one other topic is being raised by fans.
Many are expecting Folau to make a move to Europe following this, with some actually speculating that this may have been his plan all along. The 30-year-old signed a new four-year deal with the Waratahs and Australia in February, and people are saying that this is the only way that he could get out of his contract and make a lucrative move to Europe after he was warned about similar posts on social media last year.
Toulon are being touted as the main contenders to sign the maligned player, but Sale Sharks are also being seen as a possible destination, where he could receive a major increase in wages.
This is what the fans are saying:
Likewise, some are expecting a potential return to the NRL, and few expect him to be denied by all 16 teams. Folau has already had a successful career in rugby league, after two years with both the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos, and was part of the premier-winning Storm side in 2007.
While some are saying that this is a plan by Folau, that does seem hard to believe seeing as the World Cup is only months away. Not only had Folau just become Super Rugby’s highest try scorer in history, but he was one of the struggling Wallabies’ main hopes of success in Japan later this year. It would seem bizarre that he would intentionally walk out of his job at this point in time.
However, what seems clear to many fans, is the ease in which he will be able to walk into a new job. On the pitch, no one can deny that he is one of the best players on the planet currently, and if a team are willing to accept the criticism that they may receive if they sign him, they will be getting a truly world class player.
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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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