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Sponsor confiscates Folau's car
By Online Editors
Land Rover have reportedly taken back Israel Folau's sponsored vehicle.
Folau has made headline following a string of controversial social media posts, claiming that gay people are destined for "HELL ... unless they repent their sins and turn to God".
Folau has since stirred more controversy and stood firmly with his beliefs, posting an 11-minute video of a sermon that references homosexuality and claims that 'tolerance' is misguided.
The 29-year-old's posts have since led Wallabies sponsor Land Rover to reportedly repossess his vehicle, after previously stating that their views did not align.
Land Rover replaced BMW as the Wallabies' car sponsor in February, and according to The Daily Telegraph, repossessed Folau's car in April one week after his initial comments.
Last year Land Rover dropped Dan Carter as a brand ambassador after his drink driving incident in France.
The loss of the Land Rover is understood to be the first consequence stemming from Folau's anti-gay stance.
Folau will still be able to get around in his Lamborghini, which is reportedly his everyday vehicle.
Newly appointed Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle has met with Folau to discuss his social media use but he has not been sanctioned as of yet. Castle described the Folau saga as the most difficult thing she's ever had to deal with.
Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika weighed in on the situation earlier in the week.
Cheika suggested that children should 'find another idol' if they disagree with the views of Folau.
The 62-test Wallaby will next appear on Saturday when his Waratahs side host the Highlanders in an attempt to end Australia's horror run against New Zealand opposition.
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Latest Comments
Ireland have every right to back themselves for a win. But the key variable has little to do with recent record etc.
The reality is that Ireland are a settled team with tons of continuity, an established style, and a good depth chart, whereas NZ are fundamentally rebuilding. The questions are all about what Razor is doing and how far along he is in that program.
NZ are very close to really clicking. Against England all of the chatter is about how England could have closed out a win, but failed to do so. This has obscured the observation that NZ were by far the more creative and effective in attack, beyond the 3-1 try differential and disallowed tries. They gave away a lot of unnecessary penalties, and made many simple errors (including knock-ons and loose kicks). Those things are very fixable, and when they do so we are once again going to be staring at a formidable NZ team.
Last week we heard the England fans talking confidently about their chances against NZ, but England did not end up looking like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. The England defense was impressive enough, but still could not stop the tries.
Ireland certainly has a better chance, of course, but NZ is improving fast, and I would not be surprised at a convincing All Black win this week. It may turn on whether NZ can cut out the simple mistakes.
Go to commentsFair to say that NZ have come to respect Ireland, as have all teams. But it's a bit click-baitey to say that the game is the premier show-down for NZ.
SA has beaten NZ four times in a row, including in the RWC final.
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