Rugby: RFU to fly pride flag over Twickenham in response to Israel Folau playing there

Israel Folau ahead of the test between Tonga and Fiji. Photo /Getty

The Rugby Football Union is to fly the ‘Pride Progress’ flag at Twickenham in support of the LGBTQ+ community in response to the selection of Israel Folau for a World XV side to face the Barbarians at the home of English rugby on May 28

Folau, who won 73 caps for Australia, saw his contract with the Wallabies terminated after a controversial religious posting on social media when he said that gay people would go to hell “unless they repent of their sins and turn to God”.

Folau, whose views come from his Christian faith, has proved a deeply divisive figure and in response the RFU have also confirmed they will also include a foreword in the match programme outlining the governing body’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“We strive to be a sport that is inclusive to all players, staff and fans, regardless of identity or background. This ethos sits at the very heart of all the work we do, as set out in the RFU’s inclusion and diversity action plan,” said the RFU in a statement.

“The Barbarians hire Twickenham Stadium for their fixture and while the RFU does not have a role in player selection, we have worked with the organisers to have a foreword in the matchday programme to express support for the LGBTQ+ community and we will fly the Pride Progress flag over Twickenham during the Barbarians v World XV fixture and throughout June.

“As we enter Pride month, it is important to acknowledge people from the LGBTQ+ community continue to face discrimination and exclusion in all walks of life, sport included.”

The match will represent Eddie Jones’ first return to Twickenham since his dismissal as England head coach in December and swift appointment as head coach of the Wallabies. Jones has been named as coach of the Barbarians side while former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen is in charge of the World XV.