Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle is confident the decision to terminate Israel Folau’s contract won’t alienate some of his former teammates and undermine the Wallabies’ World Cup campaign.
Folau’s religious beliefs are understood to be shared by several other professional players in Australia, particularly his fellow Polynesians.
Players from that group filled nine out of 23 positions in the Wallabies squad for their most recent Test against England last November..
Castle wasn’t concerned the decision would cause any disunity or split in the playing ranks.
“I’m 100 per cent confident because those players understand that everyone has a right to their own views and their religious beliefs,” she said.
“As long as they continue to express them in a respectful way we will continue to support them.
“I have absolute confidence (coach) Michael Cheika is going to build a Wallaby team that will be incredibly competitive in the Rugby World Cup.”
Queensland prop Taniela Tupou, who like Folau is of Tongan origin, was one of the few Wallabies of Polynesian heritage to offer a strong opinion on the situation.
“Seriously … might as well sack me and all the other Pacific Islands rugby players around the world because we have the same Christian beliefs,” Tupou posted on Facebook last month.
“I will never apologise for my faith and what I believe in, religion has got nothing to do with rugby anyways?”
Castle said she has kept in touch with Australia’s professional players via email as the saga unfolded.
“I’ve communicated directly to make it clear Rugby Australia fully supports their right to their own beliefs and nothing that has happened changes that,” she said.
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Samu Kerevi believes he was lucky to get advice from Israel Folau when he first joined the Wallabies.
“But when we’re talking about inclusiveness in our game we’re talking about respecting differences as well
“When we say rugby is a game for all, we mean it.
“People need to feel safe and welcomed in our game, regardless of their gender, race, background religion or sexuality.”
Dual World Cup winner Tim Horan suggested it might take a while for some players to come to terms with the decision.
“I think it’ll take some time, especially among the senior playing group who are very close to Israel and especially the Pacific Islanders who are very close and believe in their faith, but don’t preach it,” Horan said on Fox Sports.