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'The guy is a moron' - Toulon owner rejects Israel Folau rumours as Wallabies star's career remains on tenterhooks
Toulon boss Mourad Boudjellal has ruled out the prospect of disgraced Wallabies star Israel Folau joining his side in the Top 14.
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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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwEWt2uHcLI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The devil has blinded so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free. pic.twitter.com/BWSWTMye98
— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) April 10, 2019
He accompanied that with a post on Twitter that said “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.
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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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwHCJOogxSY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
?? @IzzyFolau pic.twitter.com/7Kxdt8Ucu8
— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler) April 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/g_leitch/status/1116225859596144640
I don’t write this with hate or anger after Israel Folau’s comments.I write with sympathy. To everyone who reads it, don’t be influenced by his words. Be the better person and be YOU. Whoever YOU is..Hell doesn’t await YOU.Happiness awaits YOU.???
— Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) April 10, 2019
The NRL had also been touted as another potential landing spot for the 73-test veteran, which is where he began his 13-year sporting career as a teenager with the Melbourne Storm in 2007.
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However, Australian Rugby League chairman Peter Beattie has since stated that Folau is unwelcome to return to rugby league’s premier domestic competition.
“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:
