Controversy over Israel Folau’s social media posts is reportedly threatening to divide Wallabies players ahead of the World Cup.
With some players unwilling to play with the controversial fullback and others feeling their religion is under attack.
Rugby Australia wants to sack the devoutly Christian Folau over a social media post that said “hell awaits drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators”.
The matter will be heard at a code of conduct hearing on Saturday.
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A post shared by Israel Folau(@izzyfolau) on Apr 10, 2019 at 1:18am PDT
But an Australian newspaper reported that if Folau wins the case, a number of Wallabies could “make themselves unavailable” to play with him.
Further complicating the situation is anger among some players from Pacific Islander backgrounds that the Folau case has led to their religious beliefs being targeted.
Centre Samu Kerevi faced online criticism after posting a Christian message over Easter, with prop Taniela Tupou rushing to his defence, saying: “Might as well sack me and all the other Pacific Islands rugby players around the world because we have the same beliefs."