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Israel Folau set to lose relationship with closest ally
By Online Editors
NZ Herald
Israel Folau has lost a lot in the wake of his saga with Rugby Australia after making controversial anti-gay social media posts in April.
According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, Folau has all but turned his back on manager Isaac Moses as the 30-year-old braces for the announcement of his penalty for his Instagram posts last month.
Moses, who represents many high-profile rugby players, has stood by Folau since he was just 14 years old.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that although Moses remains Folau's agent, the pair had a fall out when Folau refused to speak with the Waratahs and Rugby Australia in the direct aftermath of his April 10 posts - where he said homosexuals, among other "sinners", would go to hell.
Folau resisted opportunities to settle things with Rugby Australia and refused to remove the post, despite Moses' advice.
Making matters worse for the relationship, Folau is also understood to have grown closer to Moses' former business partner Joe Wehbe, who launched court action against Moses over a financial dispute.
Moses was not present at Folau's code of conduct hearing last week in Sydney, with wife Maria Folau appearing in support.
The Sydney Morning Herald confirmed that Folau had rejected an offer from Rugby Australia to enter settlement talks prior to the hearing, later stating that he was willing to front a low-level breach due to his posts offending some players and fans.
But given Folau's lack of refusal to take down the post and concession that he may make similar comments in future, it's likely the Waratahs star's four-year multi-million dollar contract will be terminated under a high-level breach of the code of conduct.
Folau had already lost the support of the Salteri family and Jaguar Land Rover last year when he made his first round of anti-gay posts, now losing major sponsor Asics, who had originally stood by him in 2018.
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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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