Title : 'I'm sad for the game and sorry for him': Wallabies star reacts to Folau decision
link : 'I'm sad for the game and sorry for him': Wallabies star reacts to Folau decision
'I'm sad for the game and sorry for him': Wallabies star reacts to Folau decision
He criticised Israel's Folau's actions as selfish, but Will Genia admits feeling sorry for the banished Wallabies superstar and sad he is likely to be lost to rugby forever.
Key points:
- Will Genia described Israel Folau's controversial social media post as "completely wrong" in April
- Genia says he is "sad for the game" Folau has been banned
- Genia says he does not believe Polynesian players will boycott the Wallabies in protest
The Wallabies squad have gathered in Brisbane for a pre-World Cup camp, which Genia said was a good chance for the players to regroup following Folau's contract termination.
Folau has until 3:00pm on Monday to appeal against the loss of his lucrative Rugby Australia (RA) contract after a three-person panel found on Friday that his controversial social media posts warranted his sacking.
It came after Folau last month defied RA warnings following a similar previous incident, posting a biblical quote which said "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters" would go to hell unless they repented.
At the time, Genia spoke out against his long-time Wallabies teammate, describing his actions as "selfish" and his view "completely wrong".
But that did not stop the news of his termination rocking the Test halfback, who said it was the saddest experience he had had as a rugby player.
He sent Folau a text following the decision to check on his welfare.
"I'm sad for the game and sorry for him, and I just really hope he's OK," Genia said.
"At the end of the day, he's got feelings, he's got emotions, he's got a family. And from all the time I've spent with him, he loves playing the game, and to have that taken away from him I'm sure he would be really upset.
"With everything that's happened, he's lost out on the opportunity to do what he loves. And he's still young and he's an unbelievable player, and he's not going to be able to play the game anymore and that's really sad."
Popular on ABC News:
'Hopefully there's a way we can still see him playing'
Springboks playmaker Handre Pollard spoke after his Bulls' Super Rugby win over Melbourne and also said he was disappointed such a talent would be lost.
"Israel is probably one of the best players in the world, not just in Australia," Pollard said.
"I don't know all the details about it and I only know him from the locker room, but [he's] not only an unbelievable talent, but he's a great guy.
"Hopefully there's a way we can still see him playing rugby because it's an absolute treat."
RA boss Raelene Castle said after the announcement she was confident the threat of a Polynesian player boycott would not eventuate, and Genia agreed.
"I can't really speak on other people's behalf, but from my perspective there's nothing you can really do about it," Genia said.
"The situation has been dealt with and you've just got to move forward.
"As sad as it is, at least there's been some sort of conclusion to what's happened and guys can learn from it and move on and do their best to understand why."
A number of Polynesian players sent public messages of support to Folau via Instagram after the decision was handed down on Friday afternoon.
Sekopi Kefu wrote, "Will miss going to battle with you my Toko. 'Ofa atu #TeamJesus".
Lukhan Salakaia wrote, "Didn't think I'd ever get the privilege to share the field with you izzyfolau. It's been a pleasure uce, things will be a lot different now. God Bless toko … Ofa Atu".
The phrase "Ofa Atu" translates as "best wishes".
Folau's Waratah teammates put the decision behind them to battle to a 40-32 victory over the Queensland Reds at Lang Park on Saturday night, extending the state's dominance over their historic rival to 11 matches.
The Reds outscored the Tahs six tries to four on the night, but some smart goalkicking from Bernard Foley, who nailed eight of nine shots at goal, proved the difference.
Genia, who has played 100 Tests since 2009 and played in two World Cups, said the focus now needed to turn to the Japan tournament, which would get underway in September.
The Brisbane squad is similar to the one that assembled at the last two camps, based on last year's Spring Tour squad, but with additions such as Quade Cooper, James Slipper and Luke Jones.
"That's the whole purpose of the camps — getting guys together who are well and truly in the mix or who are going to be there," Genia said.
Before the World Cup, Australia must negotiate the Rugby Championship, which kicks off on July 21 against South Africa in Johannesburg.
AAP/ABC
Thus Article 'I'm sad for the game and sorry for him': Wallabies star reacts to Folau decision
You are now reading the article 'I'm sad for the game and sorry for him': Wallabies star reacts to Folau decision with the link address https://coneknews.blogspot.com/2019/05/im-sad-for-game-and-sorry-for-him.html
0 Response to "'I'm sad for the game and sorry for him': Wallabies star reacts to Folau decision"
Post a Comment