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Folau reveals he and Pocock spoke on same-sex vote differences

Pocock

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.

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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.”

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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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Another 8 hours ago
Razor's 2024 All Blacks Christmas wish list

"It seems like the idea of Ardie Savea moving to openside flanker is no longer on the table"


Says who? Savea was picked on the open side, with Wallace Sititi at 8, against France. It makes no difference to Savea’s game, whatsoever and allows Sititi to play in his preferred position. It also provides an option to bring in a third loose forward that may provide a better lineout option and a big body to compete with some of the big bodies found in other teams.


It was unfortunate that Finau was injured so early on against France before he had a chance to show how he might combine with Savea and Sititi, and there is still a possibility that Hoskins Sotutu might be effective alongside them too.


Don’t count out viable options.

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