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Joe Marler's goading of Vunipola on Twitter proves an instant success
By Ian Cameron
Harlequins prop Joe Marler’s has taken to goading former England teammate Billy Vunipola on Twitter over his support of Israel Folau.
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The former England prop had first taken aim directly at Folau after the controversy broke over the Wallaby’s star most recent homophobic outbursts on social media – sending the fullback a picture of two men kissing.
Yesterday he turned his addition to Vunipola, who has been pilloried for his support of Folau’s anti-gay Instagram message. In an apparent defence of his fellow Christian’s view, Vunipola has liked Folau’s post and states on his own account that “Man was made for woman to procreate that was the goal no?”
“I’m not perfect I’m at least everything on that list at least at one point in my life. It hurts to know that. But that’s why I believe there’s a God.”
In reference to one of the ‘sins’ on the list, Marler tweeted a picture of Vunipola stumbling drunk out of a nightclub in Dublin.
? @bvunipola pic.twitter.com/inc1rXqCVx
— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler) April 12, 2019
The tweet went down well, not least with other professional players, including Carl Fearns.
https://twitter.com/Carl_Fearns/status/1116719494926413825
https://twitter.com/jimhamilton4/status/1116728161377583107
https://twitter.com/KatMerchant14/status/1116724633603014656
https://twitter.com/roscoebeaux/status/1116729482914729985
https://twitter.com/johnstitch_nsd/status/1116724327205036032
Tweeeteeeeeeeooooowwwwwwww!!!
— Simon Elkinson (@OnsideRecruiter) April 12, 2019
Vunipola could face disciplinary action in response to the anti-gay position outlined in his post, although initially his England bosses are seeking talks.
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“Rugby is an inclusive sport and we do not support these views. We will be meeting with Billy to discuss his social media posts,” an RFU spokeswoman said.
Saracens have subsequently issued a statement saying that Vunipola’s comments are “inconsistent” with the club’s beliefs and that internal discipline procedures will follow, however it appears that Vunipola’s activity have already had repercussions, with Channel 4 dropping Vunipola as the face of their European rugby coverage.
A spokesperson for Channel 4 has said that “(Billy Vunipola)’s views are incompatible with our values as an inclusive broadcaster and in light of this Billy Vunipola won’t be used as a contributor in Channel 4’s rugby coverage.”
