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The RFU’s Chief Executive Stephen Brown has said that “there is no place for that kind of attitude” regarding Israel Folau’s remarks that gays would be “banished to hell” if they did not repent their sins – writes Nick Heath.
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While not wishing to comment on Rugby Australia’s handling of the situation, Brown was keen to strongly express his feelings to RugbyPass at Twickenham this week.
Many rugby fans felt disappointed by the lack of rebuke handed out by the CEO of Rugby Australia Raelene Castle and Folau followed up with a piece on the Player’s Voice website, emphasizing that his response was “what I believe God’s plan is for all sinners, according to my understanding of my Bible teachings.”
Castle’s counterpart at the RFU, Brown was more categoric on how he would deal with a similar situation from a governing body’s point of view, “The kind of attitude that’s presented there is not acceptable. Personally I feel quite strongly about that.”
When asked whether players should be mindful of keeping some beliefs at home rather than publicly declaring them, Brown was even more clear, “I’d like to hope they didn’t believe it at home either. The most important thing is that we have people with the right moral values and approach the spirit and inclusivity of our game, which is kind of what it’s all about anyway, with the right mindset.
“So there literally is no place for that kind of attitude. There is a responsibility when you put that shirt on, it’s not just about being an elite performer. It’s about representing your country and I believe most rugby players know that.”
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