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Folau reveals he and Pocock spoke on same-sex vote differences
By Matthew Scott
Israel Folau insists there are no divisions in the Wallabies squad after he publicly stated his opposition to same-sex marriage being legalised in Australia.
Star full-back Folau sparked a social-media storm this month when he tweeted: "I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. But personally, I will not support gay marriage."
Australia is in the midst of a referendum to decide whether same-sex marriage should become legal, with the nation's rugby team firmly coming down on the side of 'Yes'.
High-profile colleague David Pocock tweeted: "When my survey arrives I'll #VoteYes for justice and love. #MarriageEquality" just a few hours after Folau had posted his stance, but the Waratahs man says there has not been a falling out.
"I've spoken to Dave briefly during that week," said Folau.
"We both respect each other and it was nice for me to hear a message from Dave.
"Outside of that I respect everyone's opinions. But for me, Dave's a team-mate of mine and I really enjoy playing alongside him.
"Those things aside, it's not judgmental or anything, it doesn't affect me. Everything is all good from my end."
Folau remains steadfast in his views, adding: "I stand alongside what I said on that time and I've left it there. I stay true to myself and what I believe in.
"I thought about all the things that could happen afterwards, and that's fine for me, I respect everyone and everyone's opinions, which is all good."
Folau is slated to play for the Wallabies for the last time in 2017 against the Barbarians on Saturday before he is rested through their November tour of the Northern Hemisphere.
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Latest Comments
I'm no English supporter, but that is just wrong. You can't pay people those amount of salaries if you make that huge loss. No wonder English rugby is in such trouble. Instead of saving clubs that can generate much more money in the long term due to their fans and sponsors, they give one man all that money for doing exactly what??
They lose players left, right and centre due to pay disputes or them being unaffordable. Players can't make ends meet, getting paid peanuts, yet the top brass gets paid millions. They don't play the game. They don't sacrifice their bodies, their health and even their sanity due to all the head injuries. No, they just keep scooping because they can. Off the back of the players and unions, who are trying their very best to keep the pot full.
How can this be allowed? How is it fair? I'm a Saffa, and I'm completely disgusted by this. He is the Zuma of rugby in England. If you don't know the fall of that corrupt fool, Google him. If I were a player from England, I'd have no part of the RFU and start another organisation apart from them, or at least refuse to play any more competitions until all these corrupt fools are kicked out of the sport
Go to commentsNMS is an anomoly because of his injuries. Had one great year then never strung more than 5 professional games together again.
Savea lost his acceleration. It's the first thing to go and it knocks player's confidence. Their game is built around a burst of speed to get through a hole or around someone. Once that fails a few times they start looking ordinary and it's all downhill from there.
There's the odd exception like Ben Smith who could do it all, but for the most part speed merchants have awesome but short ABs careers.
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