RUGBY UNION

Israel Folau: Pride flag to be flown when he plays at Twickenham

Former Australia international, who shared post claiming “hell awaits” homosexuals, will play for World XV against Barbarians on day RFU plans to show support for LGBTQ+ community
Will Kelleher
, Deputy Rugby Correspondent
The Times
Folau has been playing in Japan since returning to the 15-man code in 2021
Folau has been playing in Japan since returning to the 15-man code in 2021
BUDDHIKA WEERASINGHE/GETTY IMAGES
Will Kelleher
, Deputy Rugby Correspondent
The Times

The RFU will fly a version of the Pride flag at Twickenham next Sunday when Israel Folau is due to play there for a World XV.

The Australian cross-code star, who shared a social media post that claimed “hell awaits” homosexuals, will face the Barbarians in an exhibition match next weekend, it has been confirmed. Folau, 34, was at the centre of a protracted contractual battle with Rugby Australia in 2019 after he posted on Instagram quoting a bible verse which read: “Warning. Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, Idolators. Hell awaits you. Repent! Only Jesus Saves.”

Folau has been playing his rugby in Japan for Urayasu D-Rocks since 2021 but, as he returns to the spotlight and the international stage, the RFU plans