Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Michael Cheika reveals receiving fan threats during Israel Folau saga

Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

NZ Herald

Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has revealed receiving personal threats from fans after he ruled out selecting controversial former star Israel Folau in the wake of his anti-gay social media stance.

Folau had has multi-million dollar contract terminated by Rugby Australia earlier this year after posting multiple graphics to Instagram which warned homosexuals among other “sinners” where going to hell.

Cheika had last year helped soothe the feud between Folau and Rugby Australia but when the former fullback continued his ways online, Cheika made clear he couldn’t select him again – and it didn’t go down well with some Wallabies fans.

“People were saying all sorts of stuff,” Cheika said. “Just threats I was getting; people on the street, some to my face, a couple at some games. It was just crazy stuff.”

Making clear he was not disappointed in Folau’s actions specifically, Cheika said it was a shame Australia had lost such a player in a World Cup year.

“If that’s what he believes, and that’s where his passion is, I will never tell someone to hide it, Cheika said. “I might not agree with everyone, but I’d never want someone to not say what they feel. I’m no person to judge.

“The other disappointing part is that we lost one of our best players; a guy who I helped come back. I wouldn’t say I’m responsible for what’s happened. It’s just life. But I had to do what was needed for the team.”

Also noting that rumours of the Folau saga dividing the current Wallabies team were far from the truth, Cheika said any concerns were quickly put to rest in team meetings.

“There was an inference of some type of split – that’s so untrue,” he said. “We had to make some hard decisions.

“But [claims of a split] was the opposite of the truth. And that’s the fundamental thing about great teams: they trust each other, they’re united when it’s really tough.

“And I think it’s shown to be a total untruth with the way this team has played this season. It’s been disproved by the spirit and team camaraderie that’s been shown.”

Folau is currently suing Rugby Australia for as much as $A10 million for unlawful dismissal and restraint of trade.

The matter is set down for February in the Federal Circuit Court.

This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished with permission.

ADVERTISEMENT

In other news:

Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT

HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Men's Highlights

HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Women's Highlights

Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry? | New Zealand & Australia | Sevens Wonders | Episode 5

Kobelco Kobe Steelers vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

The Rise of Kenya | The Report

The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

M
Mzilikazi 26 minutes ago
Matt Faessler: ‘To be involved in a home World Cup would be just next level’

Thanks for the article, Brett. I must say I am disappointed that the Reds have lost both games against the two top teams from NZ they have played so far this year. I feel they should be more advanced under Les Kiss and his coaching team in what is now the second year of tenure.


The lineout, which you highlight in the article, is an obvious standout. Matt Faessler is shaping as a standout finisher of mauls, but that ability is wasted if the throw/lift/catch element is a shambles.


Also very disappointing so often is the ability to spread the ball wide using the “out the back” type passes well. Just watch Scotland, even currently weak Wales, to see the level of sophistication in this area that can be achieved.


In the final analysis, the breakdown work is not as good as all the NZ sides achieve with apparent ease. Their scrum halves so often have an “armchair ride” compared to our 9’s, who deal with slow and often scrappy ball. And I would say this applies to all our Australian sides, not only the Reds.


Not being one eyed on Qld, I am also disappointed to see the Waratahs not performing as one would have hoped, given the strength of their roster now. Ofc, one must also look at the injury toll effect on all teams.


And there is no question, on the positive side of this years competition, how very competitive all teams can be on their day. Mona Pacifica are looking more than just competitive now, but the Highlanders are are much better team than last year, as are the Force.


I find the background bits on players great reading always. and your recounting of Matt Faessler’s grandfather’s exploits is just up my street. Keep writing for us, please !!

3 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING All Blacks-beating world record holder calls it quits after 18 years All Blacks-beating world record holder calls it quits after 18 years
Search