Former All Black calls for player boycott 'against the Waratahs and any team that fields intolerant players'

Rugby Australia’s statement that they intend to terminate Israel Folau’s contract unless there are compelling mitigating factors for his latest social media outburst should put an end to one former All Blacks call for a player boycott of any matches featuring the Wallabies star.

Adam Thomson, who played 29 tests for the All Blacks between 2008 and 2012, has taken to social media himself, calling on current Super Rugby players to stand-up against Folau’s anti-gay posts and refuse to play against the Waratahs.

“It has become painfully clear that Israel Folau just doesn’t belong in the game of Rugby Union. His continued spread of religious fanactical bigotry is beyond dangerous to the values of the game, and to the new inclusive society we are working so hard to build,” tweeted Thomson.

“Rugby is not a place for hate. The idea that some of my good friends from the LBGTQ+ community have to endure this pains me. We love who we love, and as a professional rugby player I’m embarrassed that there are current ‘leaders’ in sport who encourage and promote hatred.

“Tolerance of intolerance is cowardice,” he continued. “To the current players I implore you to make a stand. Let your collective voices be heard.

It has become painfully clear that Israel Folau just doesn't belong in the game of Rugby Union. His continued spread of religious fanactical bigotry is beyond dangerous to the values of the game, and to the new inclusive society we are working so hard to build…

— Adam Thomson (@adamjohnthomson) April 11, 2019

“Show the game that this is not who we are. Refuse to play against the @nswwaratahs or any team that fields intolerant players. You’re the heroes we need right now!

…Rugby is not a place for hate. The idea that some of my good friends from the LBGTQ+ community have to endure this pains me. We love who we love, and as a professional rugby player I'm embarrassed that there are current 'leaders' in sport who encourage and promote hatred…

— Adam Thomson (@adamjohnthomson) April 11, 2019

…Once was too much. Repeated actions is beyond acceptable. @RugbyPlayersAus @qantaswallabies @NSWWaratahs it's time for a stand. Tolerance of intolerance is cowardice…

— Adam Thomson (@adamjohnthomson) April 11, 2019

“To my gay friends and the wider rainbow community, I’m sorry. I’m sorry you still have to endure this in 2019. I’m sorry it came from the game I love. I love you, and I stand by you.”

…To the current players I implore you to make a stand. Let your collective voices be heard. Show the game that this is not who we are. Refuse to play against the @nswwaratahs or any team that fields intolerant players. You're the heroes we need right now!

— Adam Thomson (@adamjohnthomson) April 11, 2019

To my gay friends and the wider rainbow community, I'm sorry. I'm sorry you still have to endure this in 2019. I'm sorry it came from the game I love. I love you, and I stand by you. 🏳️‍🌈 #loveislove

— Adam Thomson (@adamjohnthomson) April 11, 2019

Sunwolves and Japan captain Michael Leitch also called out Folau for his actions. ”When I see a bully, the first thing I have to do is call them out.

“And I think I’m calling you out for the right reasons. Whether I’m right, whether I’m wrong … I’m not sure, but the post you’ve made is wrong,” he tweeted in a video message.

“And I think you should make a comment and apologise or do something to make amends. I think that you’re a fantastic player, there’s no doubt about that, and I’m sure you’re a nice guy, but the way you’re doing it is wrong.”

"Israel Folau, I'm calling you out."

Japan captain Michael Leitch has posted this video on his Instagram in response to Israel Folau's latest homophobic comments.

Our captain. 😍 pic.twitter.com/rlQ3DRNvk3

— Rugby Kazoku (@rugbykazoku) April 11, 2019