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'The guy is a moron' - Toulon owner rejects Israel Folau rumours as Wallabies star's career remains on tenterhooks
By Online Editors
Toulon boss Mourad Boudjellal has ruled out the prospect of disgraced Wallabies star Israel Folau joining his side in the Top 14.
Folau became embroiled in controversy this week after posting homophobic messages on Twitter and Instagram for the second time within 12 months, forcing Rugby Australia to terminate his four-year, multi-million dollar contract.
The 30-year-old had been warned by RA after first publishing anti-gay posts on his social media platforms in April last year, but went against the directive of his employers by stating on Wednesday that "Hell awaits" eight different types of people, of which included "homosexuals", on Instagram.
"The devil has blinded so many people in this world" in response to Tasmania becoming the first Australian jurisdiction to allow gender to be optional on birth certificates.
With Folau's rugby-playing career with the Wallabies and Waratahs seemingly in tatters, many have speculated what Folau's next career move might be, with French glamour club Toulon a common destination among fans.
However, Boudjellal, who isn't immune to controversy himself, has rejected the notion that he would pursue the signature of Folau in an interview with L'Equipe on Friday.
"The guy is a moron, he must leave. Or you have to buy a brain," he said.
Boudjellal joins a growing chorus of prominent figures both within and outside of the rugby fraternity standing against Folau following his outbursts.
England internationals James Haskell and Joe Marler, Japan captain Michael Leitch, Toulon-bound All Blacks star Nehe Milner-Skudder, former Wales and British and Irish Lions legend Gareth Thomas, Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and Jacinda Ardern and Wallabies sponsors Qantas have all spoken out against Folau's sentiments over the past 48 hours.
"Israel Folau doesn't pass our inclusiveness culture, which is a policy strongly supported by the ARLC," Beattie said.
"And after talking to some commissioners tonight, we don't support him playing rugby league again."
Watch - Folau embroiled in controversy again:
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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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